NHER 49449 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of undated and multiphase features

May 2007. Norfolk NMP.
This site consists of a group of undated and multiphase cropmarks, including a possible rectilinear enclosure, are visible on aerial photographs to the south of Crannel’s Plantation, South Walsham (S1-S2). The site is centred on TG 3619 1361. Finds within the general vicinity of these cropmarks indicate activity dating to the Roman, Saxon, medieval and post medieval periods (NHER 29489, 35007 and 35328) and this is likely to reflect the date of the cropmarks mapped.
Centred on TG 3619 1365, and bisected by the road, is possible rectilinear enclosure consisting of two conjoined enclosures (S2). The larger component measures approximately 33m by at least 22m and the smaller part is 22m by at least 11m. The enclosing ditch appears to be quite broad, up to 3.5m wide, although this may be due to some spreading of the marks. A number of ditches and possible trackway segments follow the same alignment as this potential enclosure and it is possible that these are contemporary features associated with settlement at this site. Given the finds recorded for this area it is possible that this enclosure is Roman in date, although this is not certain.
A number of other ditches and former field boundaries recorded at this site follow a more NW-SE and NE-SW alignment and these are more consistent with the pattern of fragmentary field system recorded in this area (NHER 18127, 49426-28, 49431) that are of possible late prehistoric to Roman date. Although given the date range of the finds recorded for this area, a later date is possible.
S. Massey (NMP), 23 May 2007.