NHER 68036 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Site of a medieval moat

February 2024. Wendling Beck and Fransham Aerial Investigation and Mapping (AIM) Project.
The earthworks of a medieval moat can be seen on 1940s aerial photographs (S1-S3). The moat has since been levelled. Although, the feature can be seen as a very low earthwork on relatively recent (2017) visualised lidar data (S8) and as a cropmark and soilmark on more recent (1976, 2006, 2009, and 2017) aerial photographs (S4-S7). It is possible that the feature may relate to the site of a medieval moated manor. A break in the northern ditch (at approximately TF 9036 1530) may relate to an entranceway. The cropmarks and earthworks of three pits can be seen within the area enclosed by the moat. These features could be associated with the possible medieval manor. However, it is also possible that the features may be natural in origin. Multi-period finds have also been previously recovered from the area surrounding the moat (NHER 7255). The moat is also recorded on the readily accessible historic maps (S9-S10).
J. Powell (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 16 February 2024