NHER 54722 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Three possible oval barrows

May 2012. Norfolk NMP.
Three possible oval barrows, potentially of Bronze Age date, are visible as soilmarks and cropmarks on aerial photographs (S1-S4) to the north of Willow Farm, Besthorpe. An alternative interpretation for these cropmarks is that they represent the remains of infilled agricultural pits or similar features associated with one or other of the nearby farms. The site is centred on TM 0966 9617. The cropmarks of the two southern features indicate broad and irregular oval ditches, measuring approximately 19-21m by 14-18m, surrounding an oval lighter coloured internal area, approximately 8m by up to14m. The oval ditch to the north is of a comparable size, measuring 18m by 14m externally, but does not exhibit the possible bank in the centre. These could feasibly represent the remains of plough-levelled barrows, although the irregular shape could make this unlikely. Given the irregular shape and proximity to several farms it is potentially more likely that these cropmarks are the product of some sort of agricultural activity or infilled pits.
E. Bales (NMP), 1st May 2012.