NHER 50874 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmark ring ditch of unknown date

March 2008. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a small ring ditch, possibly representing the remains of a Bronze Age round barrow, a later prehistoric or Roman date roundhouse or la layer agricultural structure, are visible on aerial photographs to the southeast of Old Hall Farm, Swanton Morley (S1). The site is centred on TG 0455 1792.

The ring ditch measures 9m in diameter, which is quite small for a Bronze Age round barrow, although examples of this size are known. An alternative interpretation is that the ring ditch represent the remains of eavesdrip gully from a roundhouse. This site is located within an area of cropmarks relating to field boundaries and enclosures, the majority of which appears to be post medieval in date (NHER 2299), but it is possible that earlier elements, feasibly of late prehistoric to Roman date, are also present, see record for details. This ring ditch could represent the site of a domestic structure of this period. Although the slightly oval shape of the cropmark could indicate that this does not relate to a roundhouse. It is also possible that this represents the remains of a temporary agricultural structure, such as a stackstand, of post medieval date.
S. Massey (NMP), 03 March 2008.