NHER 27858 (Monument record) - Possible medieval salterns and undated bank/road

July 2003. Norfolk NMP.
Three sub-rounded to irregular mounds are visible centred on TF 6305 2385, TF 6306 2392 and TF 6301 2399 (S1). The mounds range in diameter from 51m to 66m. There is a sub-rounded elongated depression or pit in the centre of the central mound. These features form part of a dense concentration of saltern mounds located along the saltmarsh in North and South Wootton. This group were probably originally situated along the edges of meandering saltmarsh channels. They are made up by the waste sand discarded after the salt has been filtered out, through a process known as sand washing. Direct dating evidence is scarce but isolated finds of pottery would suggest that the majority of the mounds are medieval in date.
There is an apparent linear bank running from the northernmost mound (TF 6302 2396), down the western side of the central mound, and then southwards for a further 100m to TF 6299 2377. This is probably an early sea defence bank, which has had the existing saltern mounds incorporated into its fabric along its course. It may be medieval or post-medieval in date.
M. Brennand (NMP) 1 July 2003.