NHER 52210 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of boundaries possibly enclosing a Roman temple south of Venta Icenorum

Some of these cropmarks were previously recorded under NHER 9836.

November 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of possible walls and/or banks and boundary ditches associated with a probable Roman temple site (NHER 52210) are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S4) to the south of the Roman town of Venta Icenorum (NHER 9786). These boundaries appear to follow the same alignment as the temple, which would suggest that they represent the boundaries of a temple precinct or similar associated enclosed area. The site is centred on TG 2314 0309.
The site consists of an intermittent boundary ditch that would appear to enclosure an area of land running south from the triple ditch defences (NHER 52202) and running southeast towards the eastern field boundary (S1-S3). The probable Roman temple (NHER 52209) site within the western part of this enclosure, alongside a narrow parchmark (S3), which may represent the remains of a precinct wall. The main western boundary ditch of the possible precinct appears to turn at its northern end to the east following the line of the triple ditches (NHER 52201), although it is hard to be certain of this section of the ditch as it is coincidental with the agricultural tramlines in the field (S3). To the northeast of the temple, are a series of ditches which may represent the remains of divisions within the enclosed space (S1-S3). Although it is not clear whether all of these features are contemporary. Although these boundaries appear to be associated with the probable temple, (see NHER 52209 for discussion of the date and interpretation of this site), it is possible that some, or all, of the features represent the remains of field boundaries or unknown date.
The walls of the temple and the possible precinct appear to follow the same alignment as the temple, which does not follow the dominant alignment of town and the street grid, which could indicate that it was not planned in relation to the town and may either pre-date or significantly post-date the establishment of the town grid, which other boundaries in this area appear to follow. The date of the establishment of the town grid is not known, a Flavian date of around AD 69 onwards has been suggested, although it is possible that it was as late as the first part of the second century AD (S5). The dating of the triple ditch defences is also another matter of debate, although generally considered by an early feature, pre-dating the town, it has also been suggested that they relate to second century or later town defences, see record NHER 52201 for discussion. The cropmarks would tend to suggest that the boundaries and enclosures that developed to the west of this site (NHER 52211), that do follow both the dominant town grid and the southern line of the triple ditches, are not as clearly apparent to the east of the field. It could therefore be suggested that this is due to the existing presence of a temple and precinct in this area, although this is not certain. A series of enclosures and boundaries recorded to the west (NHER 52228) follow the same alignment and these appear to be arranged to either side of the one of the main Roman roads leading southeast from the town to Stoke Holy Cross and beyond (NHER 30288). They also follow the same line as the eastern side of the triple-ditch defences. It is possible that all of these parts of the town date to a single phase of development, see NHER 52228 for discussion.
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 November 2009.