NHER 26651 (Monument record) - Possible post medieval timber post structure

August 2002. Norfolk NMP.
In 1946 (S1) the structure appears as a 76m linear arrangement of almost contiguous timbers posts (TF 7934 4462 to 7941 4466) aligned in a southwest to northeast direction. At the northeastern end the structure turns at a right angle and continues as a more fragmentary line for a further 25m towards the northwest (to TF 7940 4468). In 1952 (S2) the structure appears to be slightly more fragmentary. The timbers appear to be round in profile and there are a minimum of 47 discernible timbers visible, although there are likely to be considerably more within the structure.

The purpose of the structure is unclear. It does not have the appearance of a typical fish trap or wier and the timbers appear much too substantial. Similarly it is unlikely to be a wharf or quayside as it is too far into the intertidal area, although the coast may have been substantially altered since the Roman period and an association with the fort and vicus at Brancaster cannot be ruled out. It seems probable that this is a revetment for the protection of the harbour channel, to prevent silting. There is a channel depicted at this approximate location on Faden’s map of 1797 (S3), and a later medieval or post medieval date is suggested.
H. Clare (NMP), 27 August 2003.