NHER 43759 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmark ring ditch of unknown date and origin

March 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a ring ditch of unknown date and origin are visible on aerial photographs near Eastfield Farm, Hickling (S1). The feature is located to the immediate north of the drainage ditch bordering the former common (NHER 43742) and an area of medieval peat extraction (NHER 32157). Given this location it is possible that this ring ditch relates to a drainage feature, such a pump, although it is not connected to the drainage ditch as would be expected if this were the case. It could possibly a post medieval agricultural feature, such as a stack stand. The ring ditch is centred on TG 4307 2332 and is sub-circular, incomplete and 15m across. The size of the feature would fit well within the 6-18m size range displayed by these features in the Wash area (S2). Another possible interpretation is that the cropmark relates to the Bronze Age round barrow, this seems unlikely given the location and its irregular appearance. It is also possible that the cropmark is non-archaeological in origin, possibly being formed by some geological or agricultural factor.
S. Massey (NMP), 29 March 2005.