NHER 51984 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of enclosures, buildings and trackways of a probable late Saxon to medieval date settlement

These cropmarks were previously recorded under NHER 9739.

March 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of enclosures, buildings and trackways of a probable medieval settlement are visible on aerial photographs to the southwest of Holy Cross Church (S1-S9). The site is centred on TG 2342 0070. These cropmarks were previously recorded under NHER 9739, which is now solely the number for the surface finds assemblages recovered from the site. These finds include Late Saxon and medieval ceramic material. It is therefore possible that the settlement has Late Saxon origins. The cropmarks of a group of sub-rectangular pits, possibly representing the remains of sunken-featured buildings or grubenhauser, have tentatively identified within the southern area of the medieval settlement cropmarks and these may indicate the presence of an Early to Middle Saxon phase to the settlement, see NHER 52006 for details. The surface finds assemblage for NHER 9724 approximately 1km to the west could suggest a Middle to Late Saxon settlement in the vicinity. It is feasible that these two possible settlements existed contemporaneously or alternatively that the location of the Stoke Holy Cross settlement shifted to the west during the Middle to later Saxon period. Although the presence of the Late Saxon material in association with these medieval settlement cropmarks may indicate the occupation continued at this location.

The main focus of the site is centred on TG 2350 0071 and consists of a series of rectangular and sub-rectangular ditched enclosures. Relatively broad ditches define the area centred on TG 2349 0073, measuring approximately 35m by 23m. There are a number of internal subdivisions within this area, one of which appears to form part of a major boundary that runs across the length of the settlement. Around the edge of the site are a series of boundary ditches and/or drainage ditches. At least one of these appears to follow the contours of the spur and valley side. It is possible that these defined the extent of the settlement or perhaps divided the land valleyside from the valley bottom for stock management or agricultural purposes.

At 2348 0069 is a possible post-built structure, consisting of six postholes and measuring 6m by 4m (S6). Although the potential for some or all of these pits being the result of cropmarks forming over naturally occurring pit-like features. However the outline of this possible building appears to follow the alignment of one of the ditched enclosures to the immediate north that measures 12m by 7m (S1, S6). It is interesting to note that these two components of the site follow a slightly different alignment and may represent a distinct phase. In a number of aerial photographs a sub-rectangular area of lighter crop, measuring 9m by 6m, is visible within this enclosure and it is possible that this represents an underlying compacted or stony/chalky material. It is possible that this marks the location of a building. The main trackway across the site appears to feed into this ditched enclosure, indicating it had a central function within the site, perhaps relating to domestic activities or stock management.

To the south of the main focus of the site, as indicated by the ditched enclosures, at TG 2349 0065, is an extremely well-defined and regular rectangular enclosure, measuring 18.5m by 6m. Subdividing ditches are apparent within the interior. The clarity and regularity of these cropmarks when compared with the remainder of the site gives this feature the appearance of a possible building, rather than a ditched enclosure. It is possible that these ditch-like features relate to the remains of a rectangular timber structure, with a continuous foundation trench for the wall posts giving it the appearance of ditched enclosure.

Also to the south of the main settlement is an area of pit-like features, recorded as possible grubenhauser under NHER 52006. Although a geological origin for some of these pit-like cropmarks cannot be ruled out, it is possible that these features indicate an earlier phase to the settlement as defined by the ditched enclosures. A Middle to Late Saxon strap end has been recovered from the general vicinity (NHER 24332), indicating some level of earlier activity. The possible presence of Early to Middle Anglo Saxon barrows has also tentatively been suggested from the cropmark evidence at this site, see NHER 51985-6 for details. An alternative interpretation for these pits is that they are broadly contemporary with the medieval settlement and represent an industrial area or activity specific area that has resulted in a number of large pits being dug. Within this southern part of the site is a concentration of less distinct linear and rectilinear cropmarks. This area is also characterised by the presence of a geological cropmarks and it is therefore possible that some of the more fragmentary and irregular of the cropmarks mapped may not be archaeological in origin. The fact that these cropmarks coincide with the area of possible Early to Middle Saxon settlement could indicate that some of these ditches relate to Saxon activity pre-dating the development of the more regular medieval settlement.
S. Horlock (NMP), 11 March 2009.