Monument record CUL 052 - Undated oval enclosure

A large oval enclosure 157 x 173m in diameter in an area of woodland known as Dixon's Covert. Visible on 2m LIDAR data (S1) and on the 1946 aerial photograph survey (S2). Likely to either be Prehistoric or post medieval. The enclosure is crossed by either a path or field boundary that post dates the enclosure.

December 2019. Breckland National Mapping Programme.
A large undated oval enclosure can be seen as an earthwork on aerial photographs and visualised lidar data (S3-S7). The ditch measures approximately 10m in width with the interior of the enclosure measuring approximately 143m x 180m. The date and function of the enclosure are unknown. It is possible that the feature may be a Bronze Age - Iron Age enclosure; However, the ditch looks relatively clear and recent on the visualised lidar data which may possibly suggest a later date. It is also possible that the enclosure may relate to 18th century army camps recorded in close proximity form cartographic and bibliographic sources (CUL 037). However the army camps are described to be rectangular in form rather than oval. Finally, the feature could relate to a post medieval forestry enclosure. A low earthwork bank can be seen within the interior of the enclosure on the visualised lidar data which may relate to a post medieval boundary bank. The enclosure can be seen well in the 1940s and a modern forestry trackway or road can be seen intersecting the feature in the 1960s. The feutre can alos be seen clearly on the visualised lidar data. The enclosure is not visible on the Frist Edition Ordnance survey map (S7) and the feature is presently under woodland. The enclosure within the designated park and garden of Culford park (CUL 022).
J.Powell (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 02nd December 2019.