NHER 49324 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - The cropmarks of enclosures and field boundaries of probable Roman date

Some of these cropmarks were previously recorded under NHER 8330.

March 2007. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a group of enclosures, field boundaries and trackways, predominantly of Roman date, are visible on aerial photographs to the south of Catfield House (S1-S3). The cropmarks recorded may represent more than one phase of enclosure and ditches. The site is centred on TG 3844 2070. The main area of cropmarks is located in the field to the immediate south of Catfield House, the site extends to the southeast towards Starkings Farm, although the cropmarks are more fragmentary in this area (S1-S2). Numerous Roman date finds have been recorded within the general vicinity of these cropmarks (NHER 8330, 32151 and 40336), including a quern stone, and are suggestive of Roman date activity and occupation.

The majority of the ditches mapped are aligned roughly NW-SE or NE-SW and are likely to be the remains of former field boundaries and trackways (where double ditches were identified). One of the trackways heads towards and alongside a probable Bronze Age barrow (NHER 49317) and is likely to have been laid out in reference to the earlier monument. Similarly aligned field boundaries and trackways are recorded to the immediate north (NHER 49316) and these are again associated with Roman finds.

At TG 3861 2081 is a small rectilinear enclosure, 13m by 15m. At TG 3864 2094 is a rectangular enclosure, measuring 30m by at least 55m, the western end is not visible (S5). This enclosure appears to be cut by the large medieval to post medieval trapezoidal enclosure (NHER 49325). This rectangular enclosure follows a different alignment to many of the field boundaries and therefore may not be Roman in date. Although it is not clear which phase of boundaries the Roman finds are associated with. Another possible enclosure is recorded at TG 3835 2098 (S5), again seemingly overlain by a medieval to post medieval enclosure (NHER 43925).
S. Massey (NMP), 30 March 2007.