Norfolk ALSF NMP

This archaeological survey, to NMP standards,  formed part of the Norfolk Aggregates Assessment Project (5241) undertaken by Norfolk Landscape Archaeology (now Norfolk Historic Environment Service), funded by English Heritage through the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF).

The main impetus of the project was the proposed alteration to patterns of future aggregate extraction within Norfolk in the next 15 years and the consequent need to plan for the archaeological impact of any changes.

Part of the works relating to the extensive quarry at Leziate photographed on 22 September 1987. The quarry is for Silica Sand, a resource which is primarily used in glass-making. Although this use is not subject to the Levy, these deposits could be exploited for aggregate in the future. They form part of a complex band of deposits, often referred to collectively as ‘Lower Greensand’, which run north-south across west Norfolk. Several, including the Silica Sands and Carstone, are subject to extraction.(NLA 5783/02). © Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service.Photograph by D A Edwards.

A sampling strategy

The geology of East Anglia is extremely complex, in particular its recent superficial or ‘drift’ geology. A variety of mineral resources are available for exploitation, widely spread across the county.

Four areas were chosen for investigation, defined by aggregate type: Norwich Crag, Plateau Gravels, River Gravels, and Lower Greensand and Fen Edge Gravels.  The historic environment was studied using existing resources in these broad study areas.

Sample areas were selected from each aggregate type for detailed investigation and assessment.  The largest component of this investigation was the interpretation and mapping of archaeological sites from aerial photographs, to NMP standards.

The illustration shows the plan of cropmarks of a possible late Saxon manor at Gressenhall. The sub-oval enclosure, located close to the parish church, is comparable to excavated examples, such as Goltho in Lincolnshire. The faint outline of a possible hall building (or, more probably, several successive buildings) is visible within it. © Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service.

New archaeological discoveries

The NMP phase of the project recorded more than 500 archaeological sites, over 300 of which were new discoveries. Highlights of the mapping included prehistoric funerary and ceremonial monuments, and enclosures and settlements – some quite extensive – ranging in date from the Iron Age to the post medieval period.

Some of the sites mapped by NMP have already been destroyed by aggregate extraction; others may be threatened in the near future. A proportion have already been the subject of extensive archaeological excavation prior to extraction taking place. For these, the NMP mapping has provided a vital insight into the contemporary landscape surrounding the sites.

For further details about the Norfolk NMP project, please contact:
Norfolk Historic Environment Service, Union House, Gressenhall, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4DR  tel 01362 869283;  email sophie.tremlett@norfolk.gov.uk

Further details of these and other archaeological sites in Norfolk can be found on the Norfolk Heritage Explorer website.

For further information on a project or any other aspect of the work of the Aerial Survey team please contact us at: AerialSurvey@english-heritage.org.uk.