NHER 43603 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of possible Neolithic long barrow or mortuary enclosure

November 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a possible Neolithic long barrow or mortuary enclosure are visible on aerial photographs to the immediate east of the dismantled railway line in-between Bradwell and Belton (S1). The site is centred on TG 4963 0386 and is located just above the 5m contour that defines a tributary valley of the Waveney, now called Belton Fen. Another possible Neolithic barrow or mortuary enclosure has been identified on Belton Common, 2.7km to the southwest (NHER 43604).

The enclosure has straight sides and a rounded eastern end, and is aligned roughly E-W. It must be noted that this curved end partially coincides with a spread of curvilinear cropmarks of natural origin and it is therefore possible that the appearance is somewhat influenced by non-archaeological cropmarks. The former railway line cuts the western end of the enclosure. The enclosure measures 17m by at least 84m. There are several causeways or breaks in the ditch and these may be original features or possibly breaks in the cropmark response. The shape of this possible long barrow or mortuary enclosure is reminiscent of another site identified from aerial photographs in Kelling, North Norfolk (NHER 22883), although this example is slightly larger.
S. Massey (NMP), 01 November 2006.