NHER 50935 (Monument record) - Earthworks of a possible enclosure of uncertain, but possibly medieval, date

March 2008. Norfolk NMP.
The earthworks of possible enclosure of unknown, but possible medieval date are visible on aerial photographs of Whin Common, Tottenhill (S1). This site is centred on TF 6386 1118. The northern part of this enclosure appears to be cut by the northern boundary of the Common, which dates to at least the 1820s, as it is depicted on Bryant’s map (S2), but may be much earlier. The possible earthworks of this enclosure follow the same alignment as an earthwork boundary ditch to the south (NHER 50926), which is also thought to be medieval in date. Although there remains a possibility that the enclosure is much earlier in date, however there is currently no evidence to suggest an early date. Trees and scrub developed on the common post-1940s and it is now entirely tree-covered. Therefore it is possible that this enclosure still survives as low earthworks.

The possible enclosure appears to be rectilinear or trapezoidal in shape, measuring 80m by around 70m. Low ditch-like features visible within heathland vegetation in 1946 define the site. It is feasible that these linear marks are in fact trackways running across the common and it is fortuitous that they converge to create an enclosure-like arrangement. However the tracks appear to lead to the edge of the common and not to or from anywhere in particular such as an entrance or specific feature, as might be expected.
S. Massey (NMP), 05 March February 2008.