NHER 53463 (Cropmark and Earthwork) - Soilmarks of medieval bank and ditch boundaries

March 2010. Norfolk NMP.
The soilmarks of medieval bank and ditch boundaries are visible on aerial photographs to the south of Cedar Row, Thetford (S1-S2). The site is centred on TL 8801 8416 and consists of a series of broad bank and ditch boundaries, which may have originally defined medieval fields and/or land boundaries. The majority of these boundaries would appear to pre-date the land divisions depicted on the 1838 Brettenham Tithe map (S3), although some clearly remained in use until the nineteenth century. Finds of medieval to post medieval date have been found in associated with these soilmarks, and include material dating to the late 12th - 13th century (NHER 5906). It is feasible that settlement was taking place in this area during this period, although this is uncertain and the boundaries are more likely to relate to agricultural divisions. The northern part of the site is visible as clearly defined soilmarks. A possible extension of the boundary banks may be present to the south of the site indicated by a lightly lighter ground surface, the area of which has been defined by an extent of area (S2), although this may be the result of recent activity in the field.
S. Horlock (NMP), 12 March 2010.