NHER 43421 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Possible ring ditch of unknown date and archaeological origin

September 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a ring ditch of unknown date and origin are visible on aerial photographs to the south of Eccles-on-Sea, Lessingham (S1). It is possible that this is the remains of a Bronze Age round barrow or circular enclosure, although this is not certain. A post medieval drain cuts the site and it is possible that underlying sinuous drainage features may be creating the illusion of a ring ditch. A smaller possible ring ditch is visible to the immediate northeast (NHER 43420). The archaeological origin of this feature is also not known for certain and it may be agricultural.

The ring ditch is centred on TG 4099 2835 and is potentially approximately 50m in diameter. The southern and eastern arcs of the ring ditch are quite broad, up to 4.5m in places. It is possible that this does not reflect the actual width of the underlying ditch and may be the result of the wetness of the ground in that area. Traces of a possible inner ditch may visible in-between the outer ditch and the drain on the eastern half of the site. The northwestern arc of the possible ring ditch is less clear and much narrower than the remainder of the site.

The peaty soils and positioning of the site indicate that this feature is located on the upper edge of the alluvial and fen deposits associated with the Thurne Valley. It is possible that the curvilinear ditched features that are visible to either side of the post medieval drain are the remnants of earlier and more sinuous drainage patterns. This topographic positioning also makes it the interpretation of a possible Bronze Age barrow even less likely.
S. Massey (NMP), 13 September 2005.