NHER 26617 (Monument record) - Post medieval sea defence bank

August 2001, Norfolk NMP.
A post medieval linear bank built as part of a system of sea defences, visible on 1946 RAF vertical images (S1) to (S3) and Faden's map of 1797 (S4). The bank has a slightly meandering irregular course running parallel with the coast, from the salt marsh south of Heacham harbour, and appears to terminate at Beach House, Shepherd’s Port. On the Ordnance Survey 2nd ed map (1902-7, 6”) (S5) it starts to the north at Beach Farm, adjacent to the Heacham Harbour at TF 6650 3693, although this section cannot be seen on aerial photographs and was therefore not mapped. The width of the bank varies from approximately 8 to 11m.
This is likely to represent the first phase of post medieval sea defence and land reclamation this area, and may be late 17th century, or certainly 18th century, as it is depicted on Faden’s map (surveyed 1790-4) by 1797 (S4). These stretches of bank themselves probably represent piecemeal embanking, although without addition map and historical data it cannot be broken down any further. The map and aerial photograph evidence indicates the southern stretch of bank up to TF 6610 3567 is part of the earliest phase and at one time joined with the bank to the east at TF 6612 3567 (NHER 26806). The northern section from the top to TF 6641 3617 is also part of this earlier phase, as indicated on the 1797 Faden map (S4). This bank also possibly originally joined with a bank to the east (NHER 26807) at TF 6663 3615. These two sections curved around enclosing land to either side of the Heacham common, which was left open and presumably experienced tidal influx. There is also about a 900m stretch of coastline to the south of the bank that appears to be without a sea defence at this time. If this depiction is correct it would suggest that the Ingol delta and Snettisham Marsh Common would also be prone to tidal flooding.
The joining section of the bank from TF 6610 3567 to TF 6641 3617 (near the Snettisham and Heacham parish boundaries) is a later addition, linking the two sections of bank up and cutting off the common, making the NHER 26806 & 26807 banks redundant. This section of bank appears on the 1826 Bryant map (S6), indicating that it has been built between the surveying of the two maps. By the late 19th century the bank may have been substantially modified from its original form, and by 1902-7 (S5) there is an additional bank approximately 150 metres to the seaward side of this one for part of its length in Snettisham (NHER 26638).
S. Massey (NMP), 8 August 2001.