NHER 52195 (Monument record) - Possible cropmarks of a series of fragmentary and irregular ditches

March 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The possible cropmarks of a series of fragmentary and irregular ditches potentially represent the remains of former field boundaries, either pre-dating or post-dating the extramural settlement (NHER 52194) of the Roman town of Venta Icenorum (NHER 9786) are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S3). The site is centred on TG 2261 0340. The cropmarks are all quite faint in relation to the cropmarks relating to the Roman town and this could indicate that they represent an earlier phase of activity, although it could equally be indicative of a shallower cut or shorter lifespan of the boundary. At least some of these ditches may form part of the curvilinear boundaries, assumed to be of medieval to post medieval date, to the southwest (NHER 52189), however this is not certain. It must be noted that there are significant areas of non-archaeological cropmarks in this area and therefore the confident identification of less regular ditch-like features was somewhat problematic in places.
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 March 2009.