NHER 65934 (Monument record) - Undated ditch or gully

March 2019. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of site of proposed development.
The five trenches excavated revealed little in the way of archaeologically-significant remains. It should though be noted that a deep subsoil layer present in all of the trenches were not fully removed during this work and it is possible that this deposit may have masked any Roman remains present. Two machine excavated test pits demonstrated that this reddish brown sandy clay was at least 0.8m deep and of a consistent character. Previous excavations to the west suggest that this deposit is up to 1.1m deep (see NHER 37375). No finds were recovered from either this deposit or the overlying, relatively thin topsoil.
The only feature recorded was a north-to-south aligned ditch or gully that cut through the upper portion of the subsoil layer. Finds were limited to a single oyster shell and a small fragment of possible clinker.
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 28 June 2022.

May 2019. Watching Brief.
Monitoring of groundworks associated with construction of new residential dwelling in south-east corner of site. The initial stripping of the house footprint exposed the linear feature recorded during the previous work but no additional remains. The subsequent excavation of a series of footing trenches also revealed nothing of interest, with these all being cut wholly within the deep reddish brown subsoil, which was again shown to be sterile and homogenous. Although samples of this deposit were taken these were not processed as a specialist consulted was of the view that it was most likely Hunstanton Till (what the British Geological Survey now refers to as Holkham Till).
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 28 June 2022.