NHER 50971 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a rectangular enclosure of possible Iron Age to Roman date

March 2008. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of an oblong enclosure of unknown, but probable late Iron Age to Roman date, are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S2) within the Watlington cropmark complex (NHER 11724). The site is centred on TF 6321 1056. This may represent the remains of a late Iron Age mortuary enclosure or it could have formed an enclosure associated with the late Iron Age to Roman settlement to the west (NHER 39458, 50966).

The enclosure is 20m by 15 and has a central pit. It is possible that this represents part of the late Iron Age to Roman date settlement, the main focus of which appears from the cropmarks to be located to the west of this area. This enclosure appears to be located in amongst ditches of a different date, possibly pre-dating the Roman phase of the site (NHER 50972). The oblong shape of this small enclosure and the central pit draws possible parallels with a small oblong enclosure, approximately 8m by 5m, excavated to the northwest of this (S2) It was interpreted as a late Iron Age mortuary enclosure with a central cremation deposit. Although this eastern enclosure is obviously of a larger size. It is in keeping with the dimensions of other square and oblong ditched enclosures recorded from aerial photographs elsewhere and tentatively interpreted as Iron Age to Roman date funerary monuments. Small square ditched enclosures, possibly containing cremation deposits have been excavated at Harford Farm (NHER 9794) and along with other examples excavated at Trowse (NHER 9589), have been interpreted as possibly being late Iron Age to Roman date funerary monuments associated with a cremation tradition (S4). It is therefore possible that this square enclosure is a funerary monument contemporary with the ring ditch to the immediate northwest and the oblong mortuary enclosures revealed during the excavations to the north.
S. Massey (NMP), 05 March 2008.