NHER 51986 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a ring ditch of uncertain date

March 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a possible ring ditch are visible on aerial photographs (S1) within the area of a medieval settlement cropmarks (NHER 41984). The site is centred on TG 2345 0073. The date and function of this ring ditch is not known, interpretations include a prehistoric or Saxon date barrow or the remains of circular structure dating to either the late prehistoric to Roman period, or Saxon to medieval in date. Two similarly small ring ditches have also been identified on the aerial photographs approximately 75m to the southeast (NHER 51986).
The possible ring ditch is penannular and only 3m in diameter. A geological origin for this cropmark cannot be ruled out, as it is located in an area of cropmarks of natural origin. An archaeological origin for the feature is perhaps indicated by the clarity of the cropmark when compared with more obviously geological marks. Whilst it is possible that this represented the remains of an extremely small Bronze Age round barrow (the position of the site on side of a valley overlooking the River Tas would be characteristic of a round barrow setting), the small size would make it more likely that that it relates to the eavesdrip gully of a small circular structure of Iron Age to Roman date. Iron Age and Roman finds have been recovered from this general area (NHER 24332). The small size would suggest a temporary or agricultural structure rather than a domestic roundhouse.
Another interpretation could be that this represents a ring ditch that surrounded a Saxon inhumation, with a possible central barrow. Possible grubenhauser, indicated by sub-rectangular pits (NHER 52006) to the immediate south of the main medieval settlement, could indicate an Early to Middle Saxon date settlement that preceded the late Saxon to medieval settlement indicated by the finds assemblage and the cropmark evidence (NHER 9739, 51984). A Middle to Late Saxon strap end has been recovered from the general vicinity (NHER 24332). The earthworks of similarly small barrows have been recorded just over 1km to the east alongside the River Tas (NHER 49863, 51993-4) and these have also been tentatively interpreted as being of Saxon date. It is therefore possible that this small ring ditch represent the remains of a contemporary cemetery - the two ring ditches NHER 51986 representing other components, however the extremely close proximity to the potential domestic structures, approximately 30m away, would be unusual, although other examples of closely located contemporary Middle Saxon settlement and cemeteries are known, such as Yarnton, Oxfordshire (S2). Alternatively the ring ditch may relate to relatively temporary industrial or agricultural structure, such as a stack stand, associated with the later settlement at this site (NHER 51984).
S. Horlock (NMP), 11 March 2009.