NHER 65940 (Monument record) - Potentially medieval to post-medieval roadside enclosures and associated field boundaries

October 2017-March 2018. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of site on proposed route of onshore cable for Norfolk Vanguard and Boreas Offshore Wind Farms (F57).
This survey identified a group of high magnitude linear anomalies at the northern edge of the site that appear to represent a group of three rectilinear enclosures adjacent to Heydon Lane. A series of similarly-aligned linear anomalies to the south are likely to represent elements of a broadly contemporary field system. These include two north-north-east to south-south-west aligned anomalies extending southwards from the feature forming the southern boundary of the enclosures. Although undated, the relationship of these enclosures to the extant lane suggests a likely medieval to post-medieval date. These features are also clearly closely related to a group of fragmentary cropmarks subsequently recorded at this location that are thought to represent field boundaries and trackways of probable medieval to post-medieval date (NHER 65767). These cropmarks include north-north-east to south-south-west aligned ditches forming the western side of the westernmost enclosure and an adjacent parallel boundary. Two of the more fragmentary linear anomalies to the south of the enclosure also coincide with mapped cropmarks.
Other geophysical responses of potential interest include a semicircular arrangement of discrete or short linear anomalies immediately to the south of the roadside enclosures. A number of small areas of magnetic enhancement with the enclosure are of undetermined origin but may represent pit-type features. The majority of the discrete anomalies recorded elsewhere across the site are though probably the result of variations in the natural geology. A number of scattered dipolar anomalies were probably caused by ferrous material on or close to the surface (most likely modern debris).
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 11 February 2025.

October 2020-June 2021. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of site on proposed route of onshore cable for Norfolk Vanguard and Boreas Offshore Wind Farms (F175; Trenches 138 and 139).
The two trenches excavated at this location coincided with two perpendicular geophysical anomalies likely to represent elements of a medieval to post-medieval field system. The shorter, north-north-east to south-south-west aligned anomaly was found to be associated with an undated ditch but there was no evidence for sub-surface remains associated with the more extensive north-west to south-east aligned anomaly. The former also coincides with one of the cropmarks subsequently mapped at this location.
The roadside enclosures identified by the geophysical survey were not investigated as they lay to the north of the probable route of the scheme.
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 11 February 2025.