NHER 54627 (Monument record) - World War Two activity on Mulbarton Common

April 2011. Norfolk NMP.
World War Two activity is visible on aerial photographs (S1-S2) on Mulbarton Common, Mulbarton.
The site is centred on TG 1929 0091 and consists of at least three possible areas of dispersed storage along the southern, eastern and western edges of Mulbarton common. A possible pillbox is also visible at TG 1946 0069, although this may simply represent a larger area of deposition or disturbance, it is difficult to be certain from the available photographs (S1).
Information taken from the Norfolk Heritage Explorations website (S3) states that:
“The Home Guard exercised regularly at weekends. Old wagons were parked at intervals on the common to prevent gliders landing. I was told that the remains of the mill near the pond was demolished so as not to provide a landmark for gliders. Huge Army lorries were tested by being driven into the pond near Frost's garage and then climbed up the steep bank on to the common.” Also that “the well-known Norwich firm of Watlings drove all their vans to Mulbarton every evening, parked them overnight on the Common, and drove them back next morning throughout the Norwich blitz to keep them safe.”
A ring ditch of unknown date (NHER 11702) situated in the centre of the common was not thought to be archaeological, and was not visible on the wartime photographs of the area.
Also of note, although situated in the parish to the north, Keswick and Intwood, is another possible area of dispersed storage, situated on both sides of Intwood Lane (S4-S5), from TG 1986 0010 to TG 1984 9997. It has been recorded here as it may relate to road repair material and does not merit a record of its own.
E. Bales (NMP), 27 April 2011.