Post-medieval pasture field system at Pates Farm, Tipps End, Welney, Norfolk

The evaluation found the remains of part of a post-medieval pasture field system probably dating to the 17th or 18th century and was likely to have been a pre-enclosure field system. Within the development area, there were two north to south ditches from this system, about 100m apart, and one of these was dated by artefacts to at least the 17th or 18th century. There was evidence of stake holes along the base of both ditch lines showing that the fields were enclosed. It is likely that these fences were for cattle farming for grazing in the dryer summer months. There were a few other undated ephemeral features within the evaluation area but it is likely most of these were of natural origin. The present field boundaries of the development area cut this former field system. The new boundaries were probably established as part of the 18th century enclosing of the fens. The area was also affected by the various Parliamentary Acts to drain and improve the area in the 18th and 19th centuries. This process meant that arable farming took over as the main farming use in fen lands.