NHER 66765 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks and earthworks of probable medieval moated manorial site

May 2023. Aylsham and Brampton Aerial Investigation and Mapping (AIM) Project.
A probable medieval moated manorial site is visible as cropmarks and earthworks on aerial photographs and visualised lidar data (S1-S6). It is visible principally as cropmarks, with a substantial trapezoidal moat enclosing what appears to be an inner enclosure and at least two buildings. Other platforms and rectilinear pits may represent further structures and possibly cellars. A square structure visible immediately to the south of the larger building could conceivably be the remains of a chimney or similar structure. A fragmentary circular feature measuring 11m in diameter and located immediately to the south of the moat may represent the remains of an external structure, perhaps a tower, stair or well. External ditches and banks may define ancillary enclosures, but could also include drainage features.
The varying appearance of the features on different sources has made them hard to map and interpret. A field visit, probably in 1972, noted earthworks in the field (see NHER 7625 and S7). These may in part relate to a narrow ditch visible as an earthwork on 1940s aerial photographs (S8) which followed the line of the moat. This corresponds with a boundary depicted on the Ordnance Survey 1st edition 6 inch map, and is probably the revetted ditch recorded in 1978 as having once existed at the site according to the then owners (information from NHER 7625). This relatively recent element of the site was not mapped. The moat itself and the possible cellar in its north-east corner are both visible as earthworks on visualisations of 2017 lidar data (S6), but are presumably relatively low as they are not obviously earthworks on the consulted aerial photographs. As the lidar survey was flown relatively recently (2017), it is likely that any earthwork elements still survive. Numerous finds of all periods have been recovered from the site (NHER 7625), including a substantial assemblage of medieval coins and other metalwork, and there seems little doubt that it represents a high-status medieval dwelling.
S. Tremlett (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 23 May 2023.