Earsham Quarry, Norfolk: Area 1

From the 17th of May to the 25th of June 2021, Oxford Archaeology East (OA East) undertook an archaeological excavation on land west of Earsham, Norfolk (TM 31862 89070). A single cremation burial containing fragments of Early Bronze Age pottery – probably the earliest feature encountered – was exposed in the southern half of the site. Part of a possible Bronze Age field system was also uncovered, along with features dated to the Iron Age. The Iron Age remains consisted of pits and post holes spread across much of the site, with more dense pit clusters, and beam slot and post hole structures towards the north west. Finds from these features were dominated by pottery and fired clay (daub). The majority of pottery dates from the Middle to Late Iron Age. Overlying the possible Bronze Age field system were two post-medieval boundary ditches, which are also visible on 19th century mapping.
This report provides a brief statement on the character of the archaeological remains, updates the project’s research aims and objectives and sets out a programme for further analysis and reporting.