NHER 27790 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Possible Roman enclosure

May 2002. Norfolk NMP.
These cropmarks are within the area covered by finds retrieval number NHER 13771. Within the northern part of the site, adjacent to Walsingham Road, is a possible rectangular embanked enclosure, with its long axis aligned in a northwestern to southeastern direction (S1). The feature has a northwest to southeast length of 90m and a minimum width of 26m. The potential northeastern side of the enclosure is not visible, although this may have lain within the vicinity of what is now a road. There is a break in the southwestern side of the enclosure and the two ditches turn at right angles towards the northeast from this break, essentially dividing the enclosure into two halves. The northernmost half of the enclosure (centre: TF 8562 4122) has a northwest to southeast length of 34m and a width of 27m. The southern part of the enclosure (centre: TF 8566 4119) has a northwest to southeast length of 41m and a width of 25m. The bank appears as a light soilmark, that might suggest a compacted chalk or flint construction. There is no visible trace of a ditch as such, associated with the bank, and narrow dark lines along the edges of the bank may simply represent soil build up against the banks. The area within the enclosures appears to be levelled, and extensive parching visible in 1946 (S2) suggests that the ground is compacted. This may be caused by animal trampling or agricultural activity, but it may equally suggest the site of a metalled surface or prolonged settlement activity.

To the immediate south and southeast are a series of linear features, largely running parallel with or at right angles to the river (S3). These are likely to represent land division or drainage features within the river valley. A relatively large, dark coloured feature may represent an extraction pit.

The cropmarks are situated within finds retrieval area NHER 13771, which contains abundant Roman and medieval pottery and metalwork. The finds might suggest occupation from both periods within the area, although linking the finds to specific cropmarks is not possible. The enclosure could easily date from the Roman or medieval periods. The enclosure appears to align with the road, and one side may actually be under or formed by the modern course of Walsingham Road, which may suggest a medieval date, although a post medieval or modern date cannot be discounted. The feature is not visible on available maps.
M. Brennand (NMP), 17 May 2002.