NHER 50765 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a possible Roman temple

December 2007. Norfolk NMP.
The soilmarks of a possible undated small square structure or embanked enclosure and two associated walls or banks are visible on aerial photographs in Lyng (S1). It is possible that this site represents the remains of a Romano-Celtic temple, although this is not certain. There are no Roman finds within direct association with the vicinity of the site, although two Roman coins were recovered from approximately 600m away (NHER 40675). The site is centred on TG 0693 1673 and is located on the side of a small gully running from northwest to southwest, along the line of which runs of drainage channel, possibly indicating the former line of a channel in the past.

The structure or enclosure measures 13m across. Known examples of Roman temples in Britain range in size from 10m to 22.5m overall (S2). To the immediate west of this are the linear marks of either an exposed well or bank of compacted lighter material. The narrow and neat appearance of these marks could indicate that they are derived from underlying stonework rather than bank material (which might be more easily spread), although this is not certain. The alignment and positioning of these soilmarks would indicate that the features are not the product of agricultural activity.
S. Massey (NMP), 19 December 2007.