NHER 45172 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmark ring ditch, Bradwell

October 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a ring ditch, probably the remains of a Bronze Age round barrow, are visible on aerial photographs to the south of Hobland Farm, Bradwell (S1). The site is centred on TG 5078 0148. This ring ditch is located within an area of complex and overlapping enclosures and field boundaries, dating from the late prehistoric to the Roman period. A prehistoric axe has been recovered to the immediate north of this cropmark (NHER 14315). Other round barrows have been recorded within this area (NHER 17225, 45168-73). These are all located on the eastern side of plateau defined by the 15m contour. The round barrows are all positioned on or near to this contour, either on the plateau edge or valley side. A sinuous trackway runs through this barrow group (NHER 43544), a late prehistoric origin for this track has been suggested and it is possible that it is sited on the round barrows.

The ring ditch is slightly ovoid in shape and measures 21m by 17m. The ring ditch overlies or is overlain by a ditch that forms part of an undated field system (NHER 45174). It seems most likely that the ring ditch is the earlier component.
S. Massey (NMP), 19 October 2006.