NHER 38647 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Undated earthworks

May 2004. Norfolk NMP.
A series of parallel linear earthworks of unknown definite date are visible on aerial photographs on a former area of heath, now Bodham Wood, High Kelling (S1). The site is centred on TG 1077 4035. The earthworks consist of closely set banks and ditches, which may be a series of tracks through the former heath or possibly of agricultural origin. It is also possible that they are caused by some underlying geological bands, although an anthropomorphic origin seems most likely.

The site consists of up to five low banks, 4.5-7m wide, and up to 170m long. The majority of these banks are flanked either side by a ditch, between 1-3m wide, and the line of three ditches appear to continue the alignment of these linears to the north west, to approximately TG 1053 4054. This possible continued alignment would suggest that the linears pre-date the field boundary and parish boundary running through the site. This boundary is marked on the 1841 Tithe map of Bodham (S2), although the parish boundary alignment is likely to be much older and probably at least medieval in origin. This may suggest that the linears are earlier than the mid-nineteenth century. Although some caution must be applied as the linears mapped to the west of the field boundary are rather faint cropmarks, in contrast to the earthworks clearly visible in 1946 (S1). At least four of the banks also appear to be cut by the path cutting across the heath, approximately north-south, although this feature may be relatively modern as the track does not appear on the 1902-7 2nd edition map (25") (S3). The earthworks also appear to have World War Two practice trenches and weapons pits cut into them (NHER 38645). These relationships would suggest that the earthworks are potentially post-medieval or earlier. The morphology of the features may indicate that these earthworks may be the result of tracks being cut across the heath over a period of time, with material building up either side.

To the north on Kelling Heath there is a group of similar earthworks (NHER 38413) although these appear to be more recent in date, probably relating to World War One to Two date training exercises on the heath and vehicular movement. Similar groups of parallel linear banks and ditches are located on nearby Salthouse Heath, (NHER 27957 & 27959). A further series of linears (NHER 27956) also appear to cut across the parish boundary and a sunken lane of possible early date. These features also had the appearance of being either a series of braided tracks or possibly in some circumstances being agricultural in origin.
S. Massey (NMP), 28 May 2004.