NHER 43386 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of a field system and an enclosure of possible Iron Age to Roman date

September 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a dispersed group of field boundaries, trackways and a possible enclosure of unknown date, are visible on aerial photographs within arable on both sides of Hempstead Road, Lessingham (S1-S4). The site is centred on TG 4045 2787. The features probably represent several phases of activity and the majority are likely to be late prehistoric, probably Iron Age to Roman in date. At least two of the ditches appear to be overlain by the cropmarks of a post medieval field bank (NHER 8380).

The cropmarks are quite fragmentary and dispersed, although it is possible to identify traces of a probable field system broadly aligned NE-SW, with ditches perpendicular to this further dividing up the land. This is similar, although not as well organised, to a field system identified approximately 1km to the south, NHER 42135. This was suggested as being Iron Age in date. Although this group of cropmarks probably represents several, possibly unrelated phases of ditch digging and all of unknown definite date. A medieval or earlier date is indicated for some elements of this field system. Two ditches roughly parallel ditches, running from TG 4034 2805 to TG 4041 2781 and from TG 4049 2792 to TG 4056 2777 (S1), appear to be overlain by the post medieval boundary bank (NHER 8380). Given the morphology of the cropmarks an Iron Age to Roman date is plausible for most of the features.

A possible enclosure or paddock within the fields may be visible at TG 4068 2779 (S1, S3). This measures 34m by 24m and has a curvilinear boundary to the southeast. The northeastern part of the enclosure appears to be built against a possible trackway. Other double ditched elements are visible across the site and probably indicate the trackways running in-between the fields, such as at TG 4011 2766, TG 4031 2763, TG 4056 2834. Another possible enclosure may be visible at TG 4058 2815 (S1), although the cropmarks are too fragmentary for a definite interpretation to be made. This feature measures 65m by 53m and is potentially trapezoidal in shape.

The location of these cropmarks closely follows the area of the loamy and sandy soils that cover Ingham and the coastal area between Hempstead and Eccles. Other cropmarks were identified to south of the site, although were not mapped due to their located within the former alluvial fen areas adjacent to this loamy well-drained area. It is therefore possible that these features are the margins of the site are associated with drainage.
S. Massey (NMP), 13 September 2005.