NHER 26799 (Monument record) - Earthworks of medieval to post medieval salt and oyster processing site

Norfolk NMP. April 2002
A group of earthworks of possible medieval to post medieval date are visible on aerial photographs (S1) alongside the Heacham Harbour watercourse. The group consists of sunken hollows, some of which are flanked by banks on the saltmarsh, with associated feeder channels coming off the watercourse. It seems clear that these pits relate to a process related to an influx of tidal water and are probably oyster beds or tidal fishponds. However these are much more regular and rectangular in plan. It is also possible that these are salt pans and the associated banks being saltern-like structures. Although it seems more likely that they are related to oysters, or some such other industry which requires a regular influx of water.
The site consists of ten rounded and sub-angular pits. Three of these have narrow feeder channels coming off a creek of the Heacham Harbour watercourse. These three pits are elongated, wedge shapes. The largest is located at TF 6588 3543 and is 39m by 21m. A large linear bank, 108m by 30m, flanks this sunken feature. A pit to the north on the opposite side of the creek has a narrower, linear bank to the west. The large elongated pit at TF 6590 3570 is located next to a linear bank running along Heacham Harbour water (SMR 26803); this pit may have provided material for the bank construction. A linear group of five smaller, more rounded and irregular depressions run from TF 6576 3541 to TF 6586 3551. These range in size from 15m by 7m to 25m by 16m. The linear spread of the smaller pits is similar to the layout of other oyster bed groups to the north (SMR 1460-2).
(S1)
S. Massey (NMP), 16th April 2002.