NHER 51997 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a series of boundary ditches, enclosures and ponds of probable medieval to post medieval date

Some of these cropmarks were formerly recorded under NHER 17056.

March 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a series of boundary ditches, enclosures and ponds of probable medieval to post medieval date to the west of Primrose Farm, Swainsthorpe, are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S2). The site is centred on TG 2177 0067. Within the northern part of the site is another area of cropmarks (NHER 17056), which may relate to an earlier phase of enclosure, potentially of medieval date. However this is uncertain and an Iron Age to Roman date is also suggested, see NHER 17056 for details. The boundaries that have been mapped relate to or are associated with those depicted on the undated Swainsthorpe Tithe map (S3). The aerial photographs reveal further land divisions and enclosed areas than those shown on the mid nineteenth century Tithe map indicating that they have gone out of use by this period. A series of relatively amorphous shaped pit-like features, some of which are visible as areas of lodged crop, were visible on aerial photographs and it was assumed that these related to the presence of former ponds. One such feature survives within the southern field. Given the division of this area and the presence of numerous ponds it could be suggested that the area was used for stock management.
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 March 2009.