Monument record HLY 154 - The cropmarks of a ring ditch and/or circular enclosure of probable prehistoric date

Please read our .

Summary

The site of a large sub-circular or polygonal enclosure of uncertain, but probable prehistoric date is visible on aerial photographs. The size and morphology of the polygonal monument it could be interpreted as relating to a hengiform monument of the later Neolithic to early Bronze Age. Alternatively the enclosure could also have defined a Neolithic or Bronze Age round barrow or similar funerary/mortuary monument or relate to later prehistoric domestic activity. The north-eastern side of the enclosure is either overlain by, or incorporates, the route of a braided trackway (ADT 099). The ditches relating to a possible enclosure or farmstead, also ADT 099, are also located in the same location. Excavation would be required to establish the sequence between all of these components.

Location

Grid reference Centred TM 3417 4294 (47m by 48m)
Map sheet TM34SW
Civil Parish HOLLESLEY, SUFFOLK COASTAL, SUFFOLK
Civil Parish RAMSHOLT, SUFFOLK COASTAL, SUFFOLK

Map

Type and Period (7)

Full Description

April 2016. Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Beauty National Mapping Programme.
The site of a large sub-circular or polygonal enclosure of uncertain, but probable prehistoric date is visible on aerial photographs (S1-S3). The enclosure measures approximately 39m by 42m and line of the ditch appears to be formed by straight, segmented sections, with a possible entrance or causeway to the southeast.
Given the size and morphology of the polygonal monument it could be interpreted as relating to a hengiform monument of the later Neolithic to early Bronze Age. Alternatively the enclosure could also have defined a Neolithic or Bronze Age round barrow or similar funerary/mortuary monument or relate to later prehistoric domestic activity. The north-eastern side of the enclosure is either overlain by, or incorporates, the route of a braided trackway (ADT 099). The ditches relating to a possible enclosure or farmstead, also ADT 099, are also located in the same location. Excavation would be required to establish the sequence between all of these components.
S. Horlock (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 20th April 2016.

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <S1> Vertical Aerial Photograph: Vertical aerial photograph. RAF/58/79 V 5062-5063 27-JUL-1948 (EHA Original Print).
  • <S2> Vertical Aerial Photograph: Vertical aerial photograph. RAF/58/79 V 5116-5117 27-JUL-1948 (EHA Original Print).
  • <S3> Vertical Aerial Photograph: Vertical aerial photograph. RAF/58/79 V 5126-5127 27-JUL-1948 (EHA Original Print).

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Aug 29 2017 3:55PM

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.