Monument record IKN 115 - Possible cultivation plots on Iken Heath

Please read our .

Summary

Traces of what may have been cultivation plots of post medieval or even modern date are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs of Iken Heath. These might be traces of episodic, short-term arable cultivation of the heath, either in the post medieval period, or even in the 20th century, perhaps during the First World War when food was scarce. The area was certainly more enclosed in the 19th century, as evidenced by the Ordnance Survey 1st edition map, and surviving and former boundaries visible on the photos. There is no evidence on the photographs that any element of the site still survives above ground.

Location

Grid reference Centred TM 4052 5455 (552m by 443m)
Map sheet TM45SW
Civil Parish IKEN, SUFFOLK COASTAL, SUFFOLK

Map

Type and Period (7)

Full Description

June 2015. Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty National Mapping Programme.
Traces of what may have been cultivation plots of post medieval or even modern date are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs of Iken Heath (S1)-(S2). The possible plots are evident on a photograph taken in 1934 (S1) as a series of low, linear banks and/or lines of cleared vegetation, arranged rather irregularly but approximately parallel to each other, spaced approximately. 30m apart. They more or less run along the contour line. Traces are still visible on photographs from 1945 (S2), although the features are much grown over. These might be traces of episodic, short-term arable cultivation of the heath, as described by Williamson (S3). It could have taken place either in the post medieval period, or, given their relatively ‘fresh’ appearance, even in the 20th century, perhaps during the First World War when food was scarce. The area was certainly more enclosed in the 19th century, as evidenced by the Ordnance Survey 1st edition map, and surviving and former boundaries visible on the photos. See too IKN 113 for possible further evidence of cultivation of the heath.
S. Tremlett (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 25th June 2015.

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <S1> Oblique Aerial Photograph: Oblique aerial photograph. CCC 9111/F47 1934 (EHA Laser Copy).
  • <S2> Vertical Aerial Photograph: Vertical aerial photograph. RAF/106G/UK/832 RS 4134-4135 23-SEP-1945 (EHA Original Print).
  • <S3> Bibliographic reference: Williamson, T.. 2008. Sutton Hoo and its Landscape. p58.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Jul 30 2015 11:37AM

Comments and Feedback

Do you have any more information about this record? Please feel free to comment with information and photographs, or ask any questions, using the "Disqus" tool below. Comments are moderated, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible.