Monument record LCS 189 - Cropmarks of possible medieval common-edge stock enclosures and/or drainage features

February 2015. Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Beauty National Mapping Programme.
The cropmarks of a series of possible enclosures of potential medieval to post medieval date, are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S6) alongside the edge of the marshes; Common Fen on Hodskinson’s map of 1783 (S7). The appearance of some of these ditches, in particular those within the eastern and southern part of the site, would suggest that they performed a drainage function also – although it is felt that they do not merely represent a network of drains, it does this remain a possibility. One possible interpretation is that they represent medieval to post medieval date common-edge stock enclosures and ponds. The site is defined by a boundary ditch and/or drainage ditch to the west, which appears to link northwards up towards the causeway across the marshes from Leiston Abbey (LCS 002 &LCS 144). Given the close proximity it is feasible that this site had some connection with the monastic site to the immediate northeast. Fragmentary fields and enclosures to the west (THB 028) follow a similar alignment and may have been aligned alongside a continuation of the Theberton and Leiston parish boundary.
However it must be noted that these enclosures could feasibly be of a pre-medieval date. A significant amount of Roman activity and industry is recorded in the area indicate Roman activity (for example LCS 032/MSF21534 & LCS 134).
S. Horlock (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 23rd February 2015.