NHER 45033 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of possible late prehistoric enclosures, fields and trackways

September 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of possible late prehistoric enclosures, fields and trackways are visible on aerial photographs alongside the former railway line and to the north of the Grove, Aldeby (S1-S3). The site is centred on TM 4504 9394. The site consists of a series of quite fragmentary and faint cropmarks revealing parallel multiple ditches or trackways, with possible associated enclosures and fields. The majority of the cropmarks are clearest on (S1). The cropmarks appear to be overlain by a series of much more regular and rectangular enclosures of unknown definite date, a Roman or medieval to post medieval date is suggested (NHER 45018). The date of these earlier cropmarks is not known, although it seems likely that they are late prehistoric, possibly Iron Age in date.

The western trackway or boundary runs in a fragmentary fashion from TM 4482 9399 to TM 4499 9372, varying in appearance from a triple to a single ditch. The more easterly boundary or trackway runs from TM 4496 9399 to TM 4510 9382. At TM 4494 9391 is a small enclosure, 10m across, located within a rectangular enclosure. This may sit within the corner of a field or enclosure alongside the western trackway or ditched boundary. To the north of the site is another rectangular enclosed area, centred on TM 4504 9408 and measuring approximately 50m by 55m. The northeastern part of the site is characterised by a series of slightly curvilinear and parallel ditches, several are double or triple ditches. It is likely that this represents the recutting and reuse of boundaries and tracks over time.
S. Massey (NMP), 01 September 2006.