NHER 4355 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of possible medieval field systems and enclosures

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Summary

In 1954 the remains of medieval strip cultivation was found underneath the modern hedge and bank here. Subsequent aerial photography showed cropmarks indicating the presence of drains, a possible trackway or watercourse. A site in 1996 visit also noted ridge and furrow and a series of rectilinear ditched enclosures to the north of the site. All this evidence suggests the area was farmed during the medieval period, although a large number of the features could not be securely dated.

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Location

Map sheet TF60NE
Civil Parish SHOULDHAM, WEST NORFOLK, NORFOLK

Map

22 February 1954.
Strip cultivation underlying modern hedge and bank.
R. R. Clarke (NCM).

1 July 1976. Ordnance Survey aerial photography.
Positive cropmarks/earthworks.
Cultivation remains (Cultivation, strips, drains, possible trackway).
D. Voisey (NLA).

4 October 1978. Confirmed by Unit aerial photographs.
D. A. Edwards (NAU) also claims a possible hollow way here, though to me it looks more like a natural
watercourse.
E. Rose (NAU) 28 May 1980.

1996. Field visit.
Linear depression confirmed as watercourse - still partially operative. Slight ridge and furrow in surviving grassland to south, in triangular area. Rectilinear ditched enclosures to north appear as drainage, extending into field to east, where a series of more rectangular ditched enclosures are noted including one shallow causeway-like double ditched boundary.
B. Cushion (NLA) March 1996.

  • --- Aerial Photograph: OS 76-125-540.
  • --- Aerial Photograph: OS 76-125-541.
  • --- Aerial Photograph: TF6708A-E.
  • --- Record Card: Clarke, R. R. and NCM Staff. 1933-1973. Norwich Castle Museum Record Card - Medieval. Shouldham.
  • --- Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
  • --- Secondary File: Secondary File.

Object Types (0)

Related NHER Records (0)

Record last edited

May 12 2021 2:15PM

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