NHER 38471 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmark of prehistoric enclosure

March 2004, Norfolk NMP
A trapezoidal enclosure of unknown date is visible as a cropmark on aerial photographs (S1), centred on TG 2117 3534. Its location in an area notable for sites associated with prehistoric ceremonial and funerary activity, suggests that a prehistoric date for the enclosure is plausible although a later date cannot be ruled out. Its trapezoidal shape is reminiscent of Neolithic long barrows and mortuary enclosures, but its relatively small size, square corners and narrow ditch sets it apart from other sites of this type and date identified in the surrounding area (NHER 38485 and 38474). It overlies or is overlain by a trackway of possible Iron Age date (NHER 38472), suggesting that it either post dates this feature or was an insignificant feature in the landscape by the time the trackway was constructed.

The enclosure measures 38.5m long; it is widest at its northeastern end (21m), narrowing to 12m at its southwest end. A linear ditch projects for 15m from its southwest corner. There is no evidence that any of the breaks in the ditch represent entrances. Faint linear features visible on the same photographs (S1) and on later vertical aerial photographs (S2) towards the southwest end of the enclosure may be associated with it but cannot be distinguished easily from the underlying geology and have not been mapped.
S. Tremlett (NMP), 10 March 2004