The trench located one of the linear grass mark features on the expected alignment. This ditch seems to have been timber lined perhaps to prevent erosion of the ditch sides by water flow. The available evidence would suggest that the rectilinear complex of ditches is medieval in date. The 1799 enclosure map of Hoveringham appears to show trees growing near the mill. This allied with the discovery of willow from the feature might hint that osier production took place in this area. Lowe mentions growing of willows, and that the ditches were supposed to be 3' wide, 2½' deep and 1' wide at the base. The sectioned ditch is the same width, and although not bottomed has on one side in one place the correct gradient. In four places the ditches may be between 3 or 4 yards apart. (1)
See M1866 for nearby mill.

<1> TPAT, Dec 1993, Tarmac Hoveringham (THM): Archive Report, p 6 (Unpublished document). SNT2139.