NHER 42121 (Monument record) - Undated possible enclosure and associated field boundaries

September 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a possible rectilinear enclosure and associated field boundaries of unknown definite date are visible on aerial photographs, to the south of Stalham Road and Sea Palling village (S1). The site is centred on TG 4263 2671. Although the date is unknown, it is possible that these features are Iron Age to Romano-British or medieval in date. The site is located on the slightly higher ground upon which modern Sea Palling village sits, above the lower-lying wetter, former common marshes to the south.

Centred on TG 4265 2673 is a possible incomplete rectilinear enclosure, measuring 45m by at least 36m. Although the cropmarks are quite fragmentary, traces of a possible second, inner ditch, may be visible approximately 5m from the main outer ditch. The southwestern corner of the possible enclosure is rounded and bulges out to the south. The southeastern corner is not visible. Two parallel ditches perpendicular to the southern face of the enclosure may represent a trackway associated with the enclosure. A further ditch runs parallel 8m to the eastern side of the enclosure. The line of this ditch may be continued to the southwest from TG 4262 2662 to TG 4265 2668. Two further ditches to the south also follow the general alignment of the enclosure and may represent contemporary field boundaries or drains. Although incomplete and fragmentary, the morphology of the enclosure could suggest that it is Iron Age to Romano-British in date. There are no finds of this date in close proximity, however this date was suggested for a series of cropmarks to the northwest, NHER 42111. This site consisted of a possible rectilinear enclosure and associated field system; see record for details. Elements of those field boundaries are roughly aligned in a similar direction to this site, although it is not entirely consistent. The cropmarks to the south, NHER 42112, interpreted as possible post medieval boundaries or drains, also share a similar alignment to elements of this site, although none of the features appear to definitely be related, despite their close positioning on either side of the curvilinear drain.
S. Massey (NMP), 30 September 2005.