NHER 27100 (Monument record) - Possible medieval saltern and enclosure

October 2002. Norfolk 2002. Norfolk NMP.
The saltern mound is sub-rectangular in plan with its long axis aligned in an approximate east to west direction (S1). The mound has a length of 105m and a width of 80m, with a characteristic dark coloured depression at its centre. The mound was large enough to be recorded with a 5m contour by the Ordnance Survey (S3). The mound is enclosed by a continuous narrow ditch on its northern, western and southern sides. The western side appears to be open but there is a saltmarsh channel depicted on the second edition ordnance Survey (S2) which may have been joined to the ditches and acted as the enclosing feature on the western side.
The central part of this site is likely to be a medieval saltern mound forming part of a dense concentration of saltern mounds located along the saltmarsh in South Wootton. Direct dating evidence is scarce but isolated finds of pottery would suggest that the majority of the mounds are medieval in date. The enclosing ditch may be contemporary with the accumulation of the mound and may also be medieval in date, possible excavated for water management or drainage. Equally the ditch may post-date the mound and may represent a reuse of the site as a dwelling, a temporary defended strongpoint or animal refuge/corral. This may also be the case with mounds NHER 31431 and 13784, located further to the south. It is not known why there should be a post-medieval defended site on the saltmarsh, although it could relate to the Civil War or a localised dispute.
M. Brennand (NMP) 22 October 2002.