Archaeology and military history at Sheringham Park

Earth res scanning of Howe’s Hill Neolithic and Bronze Age barrows, Sheringham Park, Norfolk — Earth res scanning of Howe’s Hill Neolithic and Bronze Age barrows, Sheringham Park | © National Trust/Kezia Everson

Discover the evidence of early occupation of the area which can be found at Sheringham Park and the rich history of its industrial archaeology.

Howe’s Hill pre-historic barrow

This is a rare and complex feature comprising a Neolithic oval barrow with a Bronze Age round barrow constructed on top of it. Unfortunately, the pandemic interrupted geo-physical work which was using a number of techniques to explore the construction of this burial mound without excavating it.

Both the Neolithic oval barrow and later Bronze Age barrow would likely have been visually important in their ancient landscape contexts but today they are surrounded by woodland. In fact, we think a previous landowner may have planted a decorative scheme of Holm oak around the mound, while later forestry plantings of Scots pine across it have been gradually removed as part of our conservation work.

Industrial history

Sheringham Park has a rich industrial history with extensive management of timber, gravel and iron ore extraction.

Restoring Second World War pillboxes

The Norfolk coast has long been considered vulnerable to invasion and during the Second World war this threat was met with extensive fortification. In recent years two pillboxes, of slightly different types, which formed part of the wartime defences at Sheringham Park have been restored and their brickwork repaired. The beach obstacles, barbed wire entanglements and minefields associated with these surviving defences can only be imagined.