NHER 61652 (Monument record) - Iron Age pits and post-medieval ditch

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Summary

A geophysical survey of this area undertaken in 2014 revealed little evidence for archaeologically-significant remains. Subsequent trial trenching in 2018 also had largely negative results with only two pits with charcoal-rich fills and a post-medieval ditch exposed. Although the pits produced no finds, radiocarbon dating suggests that they were probably of Mid-to-Late Iron Age date. There features were therefore at least broadly contemporary with several similar pits with charcoal-rich fills that were uncovered immediately to the south and which are also associated with Iron Age radiocarbon dates (see NHER 63451).

Protected Status/Designation

None recorded

Location

Map sheet	TG21SE
Civil Parish	RACKHEATH, BROADLAND, NORFOLK

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Full Description

June 2014. Desk-based Assessment.
Assessment of proposed development site comprising two fields to west of Green Lane West, Rackheath.
See report (S1) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 16 June 2019.

August 2014. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of proposed development area.
The survey of this field revealed no evidence for archaeologically significant remains.
See report (S2) for further details. The results of the survey undertaken in the field to the south are recorded under NHER 63451.
P. Watkins (HES), 31 August 2016. Amended 15 June 2019.

August-September 2018. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of proposed development site (Trenches 1-16).
One of the 16 trenches excavated in this field revealed two pits, both of which had charcoal-rich fills. Samples taken from these features produced abundant charcoal fragments (possibly oak) but little else of note apart from some burnt flints. Radiocarbon dates were obtained for charcoal from both features, with one producing a Middle Iron Age date of 363-203 calBC at 95% probability (SUERC-84160; 2211 ± 24 BP) and the other a Late Iron Age date of 92 calBC-53calAD at 95% probability (SUERC-84159; 2021 ± 24 BP). Middle Iron Age radiocarbon dates were also obtained for two otherwise-undated pits with charcoal-rich fills that were exposed in the field to the south (NHER 63451).
The exact nature of these features remains uncertain, although the apparent lack of evidence for any other contemporary activity suggests they were probably not domestic hearths. It is possible that they were associated with some form of marginal industrial activity such as charcoal production.
The only other feature exposed was an extensive north-east to south-west aligned ditch that appears to correspond with a former field boundary marked on 19th-century maps.
See report (S3) for further details. The results of trial trenching in the field to the south are recorded under NHER 63451.
The archive associated with this work is to be deposited with the Norwich Castle Museum (NWHCM : 2018.327).
P. Watkins (HES), 16 June 2019.

Associated Sources (4)

--- SNF8804 Secondary File: Secondary File.
<S1> SNF99967 Unpublished Contractor Report: Thompson, P. 2014. Land at Green Lane West, Salhouse Road, Rackheath, Norfolk. An Archaeological Desk-based Assessment. Archaeological Solutions.
<S2> SNF94550 Unpublished Contractor Report: Davies, R. 2014. Geophysical Survey Report. Land at Green Lane West, Rackheath, Norfolk. Stratascan. J7279.
<S3> SNF99966 Unpublished Contractor Report: Reid, G. 2019. Land at Green Lane West, Rackheath, Norfolk. Archaeological Evaluation. Mitigation Report with C14 Appendix. Pre-Construct Archaeology. R13564.