NHER 61550 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Boundaries and cultivation/plantation ridges of probable post-medieval date in vicinity of Grimes Graves

April 2017. 'Brecks from Above' and Breckland National Mapping Programme.
A number of boundaries and areas of ridge and furrow (or perhaps cultivation or plantation ridges), all of unknown but possibly post-medieval date, are visible on aerial photographs and imagery from a recent lidar survey (S1)-(S4). Elements of these have also been noted by field surveys related to the adjacent site of Grimes Graves (NHER 5640) (S5)-(S6). The orientation and appearance of the boundaries is compatible with a post-medieval date. The areas of ridging are comparable with similar features identified in the surrounding area (NHER 61548 for example), and a post-medieval origin, perhaps related to temporary arable cultivation, the growth of fodder crops for rabbits, or the establishment of forestry plantations, are all plausible. The use of the area as a warren, for arable cultivation and for forestry is summarised in the RCHME survey report for Grime's Graves (S5), and the National Record for the Historic Environment (S7). As with areas recorded to the north (NHER 61548 and 61547), two perpendicular orientations are apparent, perhaps indicating cross-ploughing. No evidence was identified to support the prehistoric field system suggested in the Grime's Graves guidebook (S6), although a date earlier than the post-medieval period for some or all of the features cannot be ruled out.
S. Tremlett (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 5 April 2017.