NHER 43385 (Monument record) - Post medieval earthworks to the west of Marsh Mill, Lessingham

September 2005. Norfolk NMP.
A group of earthworks of probable post medieval date are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S2) within an area of grazing marsh to the west of Marsh Mill, Lessingham (NHER 8370). The site is centred on TG 4079 2636. The archaeological origin of these earthworks is not certain. It is possible that they relate to drainage or they may be slight hollows created by the repeated movement of stock between different areas of the marsh. Two larger hollow way type earthworks are visible on the eastern edge of the marsh (NHER 42134). These were also interpreted as being post medieval in date.

The earthworks are all quite slight and in 1946 some have the appearance of animal tracks (S1). However they do appear to be cut by drainage ditches which may have been constructed in-between 1823, as they are not present on the 1823 Ingham Enclosure map (S3), but are marked on the Tithe map (S4). The Tithe map is undated, but it is likely to have been surveyed in mid nineteenth century. Although it is possible that this is an optical illusion, as it may reveal points at which people, animals and vehicles have crossed the partially infilled dykes in past. It is also possible that some of the ditches relate to earlier drainage of the grazing marsh.
S. Massey (NMP), 13 September 2005.