NHER 43798 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a possible ring ditch

June 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The faint cropmarks of a possible ring ditch are visible on aerial photographs to the south of Church Lane, Potter Heigham (S1). The archaeological origin of this feature is not definite, although it is possible that this ring ditch is the remains of Neolithic oval barrow or Bronze Age round barrow. An agricultural origin for the cropmark cannot be ruled out. Three other ring ditches are visible on the aerial photographs to the east (NHER 43788-9). The site is centred on TG 4181 2005 and is located within a larger multiphase cropmark site (NHER 43719).

The ring ditch is oval in shape and measures 27m by 23m. The archaeological origin of the cropmark is not certain and it is possible that it is a mark created by relatively recent agricultural activity. A shorter arc of curvilinear marking next to the larger oval feature may also indicate that it is the remains of a vehicle turning circle. However as other linear cropmarks are showing in the same manner in the field, an archaeological origin is possible.

Three other ring ditches are visible on the aerial photographs to the east (NHER 43788-9). The positioning of these sites would be unusual for Bronze Age barrows, as all are located below the 5m contour and are on the land which gently slopes down to the lower valley floor and the peat fen. However other more convincing round barrows sites have been mapped to the north at Hickling (NHER 29749 and 36106) and these are also located immediately just below the 5m contour. Although in this case the barrows are in a more elevated and prominent position. An alternative interpretation for the other ring ditches within the area (42788-9) was possible late prehistoric hut circles, however this would be an unlikely explanation for an oval ditch.
S. Massey (NMP), 12 June 2006.