Lodge Farm Phase 2, Dereham Road, Costessey, Norfolk (Phases 1 and 2)

During January 2013 Archaeological Solutions (AS) carried out an archaeological evaluation (trial trenching) on land at Lodge Farm, Dereham Road, Costessey, Norfolk (Phase 2) (NGR TG 1603 1021). The evaluation was required by the local planning authority prior to the determination of a planning application for residential development. The earliest features revealed during the trial trench evaluation dated to the Late Neolithic - Bronze Age period. A barbed and tanged arrowhead was found in Trench 17 (Ditch F2300, SF3). Finds were sparse. The prehistoric features were mostly pits (F2008 and F1010 (Tr.43), F2132 and F2134 (Tr.1), F3023 (Tr.59), F3411 (Tr.161) and included linears (Ditch F2261 and Gully F2263 (T.13) and Ditch F2314 (Tr.12). The `fire' pits exhibited a broad distribution across the site. They were slightly more numerous in the centre of the site within the area of densest cropmarks. They were noteworthy for their consistent lack of finds. In the centre of the site, within the area of densest cropmarks, mid - late Iron Age pottery was present in Trenches 17, 16, 24 and 97. Just one - two sherds was found in each context, and no other finds were present. The features were predominantly linears (ditches and gullies), and also a pit (F2223, Tr.24). Roman pottery was recovered from features distributed broadly across the site. Trench 22 contained a concentration of Roman features (two ditches, two pits and a post hole) and within this trench a possible kiln flue was recorded. Sparse Saxon pottery (three sherds) was found in Trench 12 (Gully F2310). No other finds were found in association.