NHER 27825 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Possible modern linear feature

July 2002. Norfolk NMP.
The feature appears to be a single, relatively narrow ditch, aligned in an approximate northwest to southeast direction (S1 and S2). The ditch is traceable for a distance of 1510m, running in an approximately straight line from the 45m contour at its southeastern end down to the base of the valley of the River Burn. This has the appearance of a modern pipe trench, possibly associated with military site NHER 33698, although the course of the feature does not respect or relate to any of the modern field boundaries. One might also need to be wary of the point where the feature crosses the corner of a field (TF 8559 4193), and resembles envelope patterning. The fact that the course of the feature appears to cross a solution feature (TF 8628 4158) that was still an earthwork at the turn of the last century (S3) might also suggest that it is modern in date.

However, it is remotely possible that the feature is an artificial watercourse of some antiquity, supplying fresh water from a spring into the valley bottom. The positive cropmark of the feature might suggest it remained open for some time, and was not instantly back-filled. There is an alleged Roman building located close to the northwestern end of the feature (NHER 28279).
M. Brennand (NMP), 1 July 2002.