NHER 43604 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of possible Neolithic long barrow or mortuary enclosure and ring ditch

November 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks and slight earthworks of a possible Neolithic long barrow or mortuary enclosure and a ring ditch are visible on aerial photographs on Belton Common (S1). The site is centred on TG 4763 0194 and is located between the 10-15m contour, overlooking the Waveney Valley and the alluvial marshes to the west. Another possible Neolithic barrow or mortuary enclosure has been identified 2.7km to the northeast, near Belton Fen (NHER 43603).

The enclosure or barrow ditch is roughly oblong in shape with a tapered northwestern end, measuring 23m by 11-16m (S3). In 1970 the soilmarks of a possible inner bank are visible (S2). A possible low mound may also be visible in 1945 (S1), although the date and significance of this is uncertain due to the amount of World War One - Two date fieldworks on the common. However taken together the evidence would suggest that the enclosure had either a central mound or merely an inner bank. In 1980 there is also a possible faint ring ditch located to the northwest of the enclosure ditch, centred on TG 4762 0195 and measuring 7m in diameter. The cropmark of the enclosure ditch is much more prominent than that of the ring ditch, giving the impression that the ring ditch is cut by the enclosure. However this may be an optical illusion caused by the greater clarity and width of the enclosure ditch. If the enclosure is Neolithic then the ring ditch would be expected to be a later feature and potentially represent the remains of a Bronze Age round barrow. An earthwork barrow survives only 200m to the southeast (NHER 10479).
S. Massey (NMP), 01 November 2006.