Land West of the A140, Long Stratton, Norfolk: A Programme of Mitigatory Trenching

A programme of archaeological trial Informative Trenching evaluation was undertaken by Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd (PCA) on Land West of the A140, Long Stratton (centred on Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference (NGR) TM 1959 9348) from the 11th of March to the 23rd of July April 20243. The archaeological work was commissioned by Cornerstone Planning Ltd. on behalf of Norfolk Homes Ltd, . in response to an archaeological planning condition attached for to the development of 387 no. dwellings and 1.5 hectares of Class B1 employment land, associated infrastructure, and public open space (Planning Reference 2018/0112) The project revealed a moderate amount of archaeological evidence, concentrated in the eastern and northern portion of the area. It identified a series of prehistoric features, ranging from the Early Neolithic to Iron Age. The earliest evidence consisted of a portion of an Early Neolithic enclosure and evidence for selective deposition. This was followed by establishment of a field boundary in the Middle Neolithic. During the Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age period, the creation of a second enclosure occurred, the fills of which contained evidence for flint knapping and the consumption of cereals. A three-post structure was also constructed nearby during this period. In the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age, a possible ring ditch was established between the two enclosures, and there is evidence for isolated activity elsewhere. The Late Iron Age was represented by a single ditch. During the Roman period, the nearby road was likely established, but no evidence for contemporary activity was encountered. Surviving medieval evidence was concentrated in the north-eastern corner of the site, where boundaries and related features associated with a possible street frontage visible on geophysical survey data were excavated. Other medieval evidence nearby has likely been removed by the modern development east of the site boundaries. No agricultural features could be securely dated to the medieval period, although some may have been utilised as part of later field boundaries. The post-medieval evidence shows the presence of a field system, likely related to inclosure awards. This group of features was well-defined in geophysical survey and historic mapping. The archaeological trial trenching confirmed the presence of these boundaries and produced a large amount of dateable material. The results show the area was divided into eight plots of land by the construction of a series of boundaries. These features can be shown to go out of use at varying times, with some surviving to the present day. Finally, the work revealed a series of undated features, the most significant of which was a portion of a boundary or enclosure located at the eastern perimeter of the site