NHER 52066 (Monument) - Post medieval brick making and extraction site

April 2009. Norfolk NMP.
Evidence derived from historic maps, documentary records and aerial photographs (S1-S3) indicates an area of post medieval brick making and clay extraction on and around the edges of the former Swardeston Hill (formerly Hall) Green. The site, which is centred on TG 2088 0201, was formerly located on and around the Green itself, which has now largely been converted to arable (S4). Blomefield records that the area to the north of the Green was known as Brick Kiln Close in the late 18th century (S3) indicating that activities relating to brick manufacture were or had been being undertaken at this general location.

On the Ordnance Survey first edition one inch map (1824-1836) a series of extraction pits and enclosures are depicted alongside the western edge of the Green (S2). The two main concentrations of these pits are at TG 2075 0216 and TG 2101 0192. These pits are shown as a series of water-filled ponds are marked on the 1847 Swardeston Tithe map (S5), although it is also possible that they relate to fish ponds associated with the Gowthorpe manor and/or the village (NHER 8716 and 52069), however the former seems most likely given the context and their depiction on historic maps.

Other than the ‘Brick-Kiln Close’ name evidence there is little evidence of any industrial activity at this site other than the actual extraction of clay. Although it is possible that remains of any kilns that may have been constructed in or around the clay pits may be obscured by vegetation on the aerial photographs. The woodlands to the east of the Swardeston Hall have a path leading into the centre of the woods marked on the Ordnance Survey first edition map (1887-1891, 6 inch) (S6) and it is feasible that brick-kilns were located here. This is to the immediate north of the land referred to as Brick-Kiln Close in the late 18th century. A small group of earthworks within the southeastern part of the site may represent features relating to the transport of raw material from the adjacent pits (NHER 52064). A large circular ditched enclosure (NHER 9752), also within that area, may also have been related to brick manufacture in some way, although this is uncertain.
S. Horlock (NMP), 30 April 2009.