NHER 68139 (Monument record) - Undated pits and possible ring-ditch and post-medieval to modern ditches

May-July 2014. Strip, Map and Sample Excavation.
Excavation on route of Wissington Pipeline Diversion (Field 9).
The stripping of topsoil and subsoil deposits from this section of the pipeline easement revealed a small number of scattered linear and discrete features. The former included what appeared to be part of a small ring-ditch with a diameter of approximately 10m and a possible entrance gap to the south-west. Finds were though limited to fragments of modern glass and pieces of barbed wire. This material is regarded as probably intrusive, although it should be noted that ring-ditches are known to have been associated with late post-medieval hayricks in this part of the county.
A north-west to south-east aligned ditch corresponds with a former field boundary shown on the Methwold tithe map of 1839 (S1), which was still extant until at least the mid 20th century. A north-to-south aligned ditch adjacent and parallel to the eastern boundary of the field was probably also of relatively recent date.
The only other features identified were a cluster of three irregular pits, none of which produced any dating evidence.
Information from report uploaded to OASIS. HER copy awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 29 February 2024.