NHER 43738 (Monument record) - Multi-phase cropmark site, Hickling

March 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a group of undated and multi-phase ditches, many of which are likely to be fragments of field boundaries, are visible on aerial photographs in arable land surrounding Eye Farm, Hickling (S1-S2). The site is centred on TG 4259 2247, although this point does not correspond to an archaeological feature on the ground. Two more coherent and rectilinear groups of cropmarks located within this area have been recorded separately (NHER 43736-7), some of which may be Iron Age to Roman date.

None of the cropmarks appear to show any relationship with the medieval to post medieval layout of the fields and roads along the Stubb and are therefore likely to be much earlier. The Stubb is a narrow strip of slightly raised ground with loamy soils, which is surrounding by the lower valley peats and alluvial clays. This strip of land would probably have offered an obvious location for settlement and associated activities and agriculture in the past.

The majority of the cropmarks are too fragmentary for any definite interpretation to be made, although the majority are likely to represent fragments of former field boundaries, or possibly drainage ditches on the edge of the Stubb. At TG 4244 2275, TG 4254 2241 and TG 4243 2233 are three possible fragments of trackways, suggested by sections of parallel ditches.
S. Massey (NMP), 29 March 2005.