NHER 44813 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Multi-period and undated cropmarks

October 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a dispersed group of multi-period and undated ditches are visible on aerial photographs to the north and south of Whinmere Farm, Hickling (S1-S5). The site is centred on TG 4042 2442, although this point does not correspond to an archaeological feature on the ground. These cropmarks are located within the vicinity of the several other phases of cropmarks; NHER 44807 and 45218-9, which are a series of enclosures and fields potentially dating from the late prehistoric to Roman period, plus a number of isolated ring ditches (NHER 29749, 44906, 44814, 45220) and several pre-post medieval field systems and boundaries (NHER 11876 and 44815). The cropmarks recorded under this multi-period site do not appear to fit into any specific phase. Without further evidence it is impossible to offer any worthwhile interpretation of these features. Additional aerial photograph material or archaeological excavation would be needed to investigate this area further.

The majority of the cropmarks are located to the south and east of the site, largely in the same area as NHER 44807, with concentrations of features at around TG 4022 2407 and TG 4059 2419. Most of the cropmarks consist of fragmentary ditches and linear features are likely to be the remains of former field boundaries of unknown date. At TG 4069 2430 is a semi-circular ditch. This may be the remains of a Bronze Age round barrow. It appears to be overlain by the ditches of the enclosure of possible Iron Age to Roman date (NHER 44807), although this is not certain. A degree of caution may be required with some of the more curvilinear cropmarks recorded within this site, as a number of geological and natural cropmarks are visible on the aerial photographs.
S. Massey (NMP), 24 October 2006.