NHER 58554 (Monument record) - Soilmarks of uncertain origin, possible medieval or early post medieval platforms and boundaries

January 2013. Norfolk NMP.
The soilmarks of uncertain archaeological origin are visible on aerial photographs (S1) at Great Ellingham, which could feasibly relate to medieval or early post medieval platforms and boundaries. The site is centred on TM 0173 9694. The features have the appearance of a former platform and a series of banked boundaries that have the appearance of having been relatively recently levelled as they are showing very clearly. Aerial photographs of this field in the 1940s (S-S3) indicates that earthworks relating to drainage and a pond are present within the field, with a small possible platform, at TM 0173 9695 (S2), partially coinciding with the larger platform-like feature apparent from the soilmarks visible in 1976. However there are not clear banks visible that correspond with those clearly visible on the later aerial photographs. However it must be stated that neither of the 1940s aps show the ground surface particularly clearly and it is possible that low earthworks may not be easily apparent due to ground conditions and dull light.
The site is located adjacent to the one of the main roads through Great Ellingham, just to the north of the Green, and the Faden’s 1797 map (S4) shows dwellings clustered along the roads throughout the settlement. It is therefore possible that these earthworks relate to a medieval or early post medieval house or structure previously located on the site. However given the uncertainty over the origin of the soilmarks a modern cause cannot be ruled out.
S. Horlock (NMP), 24 January 2013.