NHER 27180 (Monument record) - Medieval salt works

January 2003. Norfolk NMP.
The group is comprised of at least four sub rounded mounds (S1), ranging in diameter from 38m to 50m. The mounds appear as light coloured soilmarks within freshly ploughed soil. Around the mounds are a complex series of darker linear soilmarks that probably represent both the courses of former saltmarsh channels and anthropogenic, excavated ditches or channels. The southernmost mound (TF 5832 2291) is surrounded by a relatively broad ditch with straight linear ditches projecting from it towards the south and west. The northernmost mound is also surrounded by a broad ditch with a straight stretch of ditch projecting approximately towards the east and west. These features are probably anthropogenic, and not naturally occurring. The remaining linear features are likely to be the courses of saltmarsh channels, although they may have been diverted or rerouted to facilitate salt processing.
It seems likely that the salterns are medieval in date, although an earlier or later date cannot be ruled out altogether. The salterns appear to be characteristically within the meanders of saltmarsh channels although there appears to be some additional ditches, presumably to facilitate drainage and water management. The site has morphological similarities to NHER 31431, although appears smaller and less complex in plan. It is possible that these mounds were encircled by ditches as a temporary defensive measure. They were probably not strategically close to the Lynn channel but may have covered an approach over the salt marsh.
M. Brennand (NMP), 8 January 2003.