NHER 38253 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Group of Late Saxon to post medieval iron working pits

June 2003. Norfolk NMP.
A group of earthwork pits visible on OS aerial photographs from 1969 (S1). These pits cover an area approximately 30m square, centred on TG 1458 4178. The whole of the ground surface is quite uneven and ‘pitted’, although only the more distinct pits were mapped, comprising eight in total. These vary in size from 1m across to as large as to 5m by 2m. It is possible that these pits are the result of iron ore procurement, as is known at other pit groups in the area (SMR 6280-1). These workings are thought to date to the Late Saxon to medieval period, although it is possible that this group of pits is the result of post-medieval or even military activity in the area. The pits can be seen quite clearly on the 1946 RAF aerial photographs (S2), however they do not look as fresh and recent as other more obviously military pits in the area.
S. Massey (NMP), 18 June 2003.