NHER 54567 (Monument record) - Earthworks of probable medieval field boundaries

January 2011. Norfolk NMP.
The shallow earthworks of ditched field boundaries and a large elongated or L-shaped pit of unknown but possible medieval date are visible on the aerial photographs (S1-S2) alongside the River Thet to the north of Home Farm, Shadwell. The site is centred on TL 9357 8344. Comparison with similar earthworks on the northern side of the river (NHER 54565) would suggest that these may also relate to medieval boundaries. Geophysics undertaken in this field in 2001 revealed traces of similarly aligned ditches further to the south in this field, suggesting that the features visible on the aerial photographs are part of a wider area of fields (the area of which is reflected by the monument polygon). See NHER 6076 for details of the geophysical survey and its wider results.
The elongated pit-like feature may also be medieval in date, although it is feasible that it relates to more recent agricultural activity in the field. It must be noted that a pit containing a Saxon cremation cemetery is thought to have been excavated in this field in the eighteenth century (NHER 6076), However the exact location of this site is still a matter of debate. Although it is feasible that the elongated pit-like feature could relate to this excavated pit, it is recorded as having been more circular in shape.
S. Horlock (NMP), 20 January 2011.