NHER 38721 (Monument record) - Possible medieval to post medieval trackway

August 2004. Norfolk NMP.
Cropmarks of a possible medieval to post medieval trackway or footpath on a southwest to northeast alignment and associated pits are visible on aerial photographs (S1 and 2). This cropmark was previously recorded as part of NHER 21773. A broad, slightly curving positive cropmark extends for 210m between TG36522963 and TG36682977 (S1). A narrower cropmark continues the same alignment for a further 120m (S2). The northeastern section of the cropmark corresponds to the line of a footpath marked on the 1841 East Ruston tithe map (S3). Although the southwestern part of the cropmark lies to the south of the recorded line of the footpath, it may represent an earlier medieval or post medieval alignment. The appearance of the cropmark suggests that it may alternatively be a ditch following the same alignment as the footpath. The alignment of these features is similar to medieval to post medieval field boundaries recorded further to the east (NHER 38727). Three large pits and one smaller one are present close to the northeast end of the footpath cropmark. The large pits measure between 9m and 11m long by 4.5m to 5m wide with irregular and sub-rectangular plans. The smaller pit is sub-circular with a 3m diameter. Although these pits are undated, their alignment appears to be similar to that of the footpath, suggesting a possibly contemporary date.
(S1-3)
J. Albone (NMP), 16 August 2004