NHER 58504 (Monument record) - Multi-phased field systems and possible pits

October 2012. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometry survey of proposed development area.
Several linear anomalies interpreted as possible field boundaries were identified in the northern half of the investigated area. At least three phases of land division have been identified. The earliest linear anomalies occur in the north of the study area and are on a different alignment to modern field boundaries (south-west and north-east), therefore likely pre-dating the post-medieval period. The second phase of land division consists of a series of linear and curvilinear anomalies in the northeast corner of the field which retain a broadly similar alignment to modern boundaries but do not include divisions reflected in 19th century maps and may relate to smaller fields associated with the establishment of Diggens Farm (NHER 13479) in the late 17th century. The final phase consists of three boundaries (one north-south and two east-west) depicted on the first edition Ordnance Survey map (S1) which were not removed until sometime after 1960.
Other possible archaeological features include a discontinuous, sub-circular anomaly in the southwest of the site which could not be securely identified and two large, discrete anomalies in the northeast which may be large pit features.
A possible square enclosure identified in the southwest corner of the investigated area is believed to be associated with a compound used during construction of the Aylsham Bypass.
See report (S2) for further information.
H. Hamilton (HES), 28 December 2012.

January 2022. Aylsham and Brampton Aerial Investigation and Mapping (AIM) Project.
Possible multi-phase linear ditch features are seen as cropmarks on aerial photographs (S3-S4). The features most likely relate to a series of boundary ditches, field boundaries, and a possible rectilinear enclosure. It is possible that the some of the boundary features and the possible rectilinear enclosure may date to the Iron Age-Roman period. Further elements of the site (particularly in the north west of the area) may have related to former medieval- post medieval field boundaries. Cropmarks of post medieval field boundaries recorded on the readily available historic maps (for example S3) have not been mapped as part of this project. Geological cropmarks are visible across the area and its possible that some of the features maybe natural in origin
J. Powell (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 12 January 2022.