NHER 54640 (Monument record) - Site of probable medieval to post medieval field boundaries, enclosures and perhaps settlement

June 2011. Norfolk NMP.
Field boundaries and enclosures, perhaps in part representing settlement and all of probable medieval to post medieval date, are visible as cropmarks on aerial photographs (S1)-(S2), centred at TG 1155 0404. They seem to a large extent to pre-date the pattern of enclosure depicted on Wymondham Tithe Map of 1839 (S3), but to respect the line of Youngmans Road to their south. Their plan is similar, albeit in a relatively complex form, to that of other roadside enclosures and farms in the area, both extant and depicted on historic maps. The relationship between the cropmarks and two postulated moats to their immediate east (NHER 54641) and southeast (NHER 16212) is uncertain, but highlights the potential for relatively extensive medieval to post medieval settlement in the area. The area to the east and south is also notable for the extensive drainage earthworks (now mostly levelled) and cropmarks/soilmarks also visible on aerial photographs but not recorded. While some of the features described here are not dissimilar in appearance and might have served a drainage function, the site as a whole has a more coherent and more structured plan.
Within the cropmarks at least two enclosures are apparent. One, centred at TG 1117 0403, is trapezoidal in plan and measures up to 46.5m long (which ditch forms its northern side is uncertain) and up to 44.5m wide. The other, centred at TG 1115 0396, is also trapezoidal in plan and measures up to 48.5m long (again, which ditches define its limits is uncertain) and up to 28m wide. On the eastern side of the site, centred at TG 1128 0398, an area of darker crop may represent a former quarry; its extent has been mapped.
S. Tremlett (NMP), 16 June 2011.