Land at Manor Park (Hall Lane), Drayton, Norfolk

Between 5th and 23rd October 2020 Oxford Archaeology East was commissioned to evaluate the land at Manor Park (Hall Lane), Drayton, Norfolk (centred TG 1802 1433). In total 59 trenches were excavated, of which 43 uncovered archaeological features. These (mostly undated) remains represent scattered archaeology of one or two shallow features per trench which were filled by predominantly sterile deposits. Three distinct periods of activity were identified across the site. Within the northern part of the site, a linear feature uncovered in Trench 39 produced an assemblage of Early Neolithic flintwork. This is quite unusual as similar assemblages of flintwork are typically associated with discreate features. Furthermore, 17 sherds of later prehistoric pottery was recovered from features uncovered by four nearby trenches (Trenches 38, 39, 42 and 44) to suggest this part of the site possibly also encompassed an area of Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age settlement activity. Most of the post-medieval and modern features lay in the southern part of the site. A possible trackway was identified along the western site limit within Trench 5. Post-medieval activity included quarrying for underlying sand. A number of linear ditches uncovered by the trenches represent former field boundaries identified on historical maps.