NHER 53303 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a small square ditched enclosure

December 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a small square ditched enclosure are visible on aerial photographs to the east of Poringland Wood (S1). The date and function of this enclosure is not known, although it is suggested that it could relate to an Iron Age to Roman date funerary enclosure or barrow, similar to those excavated along the route of the nearby Southern Bypass at Harford (NHER 9794 and 52289) and Trowse (NHER 9589). The site is centred on TG 2668 0354.
The enclosure is 17-18m across and has rounded corners. The gap or causeway in the ditch to the southeast, is likely to be a product of a break in the cropmark formation rather than the ditch itself. The sides of the enclosure are oriented on the cardinal points, as were the excavated examples at Harford Farm (NHER 52289) and Trowse (NHER 9589). Surrounding the enclosure are ditches following the same alignment as the enclosure and are likely to be broadly contemporary. An alternative interpretation of the enclosure would be that it has an agricultural or even domestic function. The lack of relationship with the surrounding medieval to post medieval field layout would again indicate a later prehistoric or Roman date.
S. Horlock (NMP), 29 December 2009.