A HISTORY OF NORFOLK 



circle of stones prevented it from falling again into the pit. The size of 

 these pits varies considerably. The diameter ranges from 8 to 20 feet 

 and the depth from 2 to 6 feet ; but the average size is one having 

 a diameter of 1 2 feet and a depth of 3 feet. 



The Wei bourne Pits 



During the exploration of these interesting sites by Mr. Harrod 

 numerous trenches were cut in different directions through the pits, 

 and it was found that large numbers of stones, some of which may 

 have been used for lining the interior, were found at the bottom of 

 the excavations. The stones had in some cases been brought from 

 the beach nearly two miles distant, and had evidently been selected 

 for the special purpose of forming some kind of hearth or flooring to the 

 dwellings. In several cases two pits had been joined together by a narrow 

 trench, which itself had been carefully lined with stones. 



In addition to the more regularly shaped depressions there are some 

 which either have been formed with less care or have undergone subse- 

 quent disturbance. The latter is the more probable explanation, and 

 there is every reason to conclude that they have acquired their present 

 irregular form in consequence of the destruction of the original banks 

 between several small pits. 



There were no traces found of fires in the pits, neither were pottery 



or other antiquities dis- 

 covered in the course of 

 Mr. Harrod's explorations, 

 but the tradition among 

 the peasantry and the 

 layer of vegetable soil by 

 which the surface of the 

 ground and the original 

 _ surfaces of the floors are 



~' in every case covered point 



Section through one of th.: I'.rs at Wevbourne, j^ ^ Considerable antiquity. 



SHOWING METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION. T .' 



264 



