NHER 65440 (Monument record) - Post-medieval ditches

February 2016. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of proposed development site.
This survey identified a number of linear anomalies that are likely to represent infilled ditches associated with former field boundaries. Four west-north-west to east-south-east aligned anomalies all appear to correspond with boundaries depicted on the Attleborough tithe map of 1838 (S1). These include the two long sides of a fairly narrow field running between London Road and Hargham Road. The northern side is actually associated with two adjacent linear anomalies, suggesting this boundary had shifted at some point. A perpendicular linear anomaly extending from the northernmost of these features is also likely to represent a boundary associated with an earlier iteration of this field system. The same is also likely to be the case for two north-east to south-west aligned linear anomalies in the south-east corner of the site. One of these appears to represent a former subdivision of the long narrow field and accounts for a pronounced kink visible in its northern and southern boundaries at this point.
Although numerous discrete anomalies were recorded these are mostly thought to be of geological origin. Isolated dipolar anomalies and larger areas of magnetic disturbance around the margins of the field were probably caused by ferrous material in the topsoil (most likely modern debris).
Information from draft report. HER copy awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 4 March 2022.