NHER 68035 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Earthworks of probable medieval settlement features

February 2024. Wendling Beck and Fransham Aerial Investigation and Mapping (AIM) Project.
Features probably relating to medieval settlement are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs and visualised lidar data (S1-S5). As the lidar survey was flown relatively recently (2017) it is likely that the features visible on the visualised lidar data still survive as earthworks. The features consist of a series of earthwork probable boundary banks and ditches which may have related to medieval settlement. The earthworks of a pit which may have also related to medieval settlement have been mapped in the east of the area (centred at TF9037 1566). However, it is also possible that the pit could be natural in origin. The features most likely date to the medieval period. However, a post medieval date for the features cannot be ruled out. Previous excavations (NHER 66647) in the north of the area recorded a series of undated and probable medieval features. It has been previously suggested (see NHER 66647) that some of the excavated features may have related to a medieval moated enclosure. The earthworks of probable post medieval ponds are also visible aerial photographs and visualised lidar data. These features have not been mapped as they are recorded in good detail on the readily accessible historic maps (such as S6).
J. Powell (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 15 February 2024.