NHER 44967 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Soilmarks of possible ridge and furrow

August 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The soilmarks of possible ridge and furrow and a former bank are visible on aerial photographs to the east of the White Lion Pub, Wheatacre (S1). The site is centred on TM 4649 9368 and covers an area approximately 175m long and up to 130m wide. The former presence of ridge and furrow is possibly indicated by a series of parallel dark lines, 3-5m apart, with a strip of lighter material showing in-between. These darker lines are possibly the plough levelled remains of the furrows. The furrows are aligned NE-SW and are relatively straight. This straightness and the width of the ridges could suggest that this is post medieval rather than medieval ridge and furrow cultivation, although these features show no relationship to the surrounding post medieval fields and appear to be overlain by a series of probable post medieval field boundaries (NHER 44968). This site is located a heavy boulder clay derived soils and it is possible that these ridges were created to aid drainage and the working of the soil.

The soilmarks of a possible former bank, running from TM 4651 9367 to TM 4650 9364, are also visible (S1). This bank is perpendicular to the possible ridges and possibly postdates them as the ridges continue to either side.
S. Massey (NMP), 17 August 2006.