Epsom & Ewell

Test pitting in Old Stable Field, Nonsuch Park September 2019

Test pitting weekend at Nonsuch Park

Seven archaeological test pits were excavated in Old Stable Field, Nonsuch Park, Ewell (centred NGR TQ 2318 6370) during an Open Weekend on 21st –22nd September 2019. This work was carried out in accordance with a Project Design as part of the Surrey Archaeological Society (SyAS) Test Pitting Programme (funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant) in partnership with Epsom & Ewell History & Archaeology Society.

Geophysical Magnetometer Survey Nonsuch Palace January 2018

Northern-most nonsuch Palace marker viewed from east
A small scale magnetometry survey was carried out by members of Epsom & Ewell History & Archaeology Society (EEHAS) and Surrey Archaeological Society (SyAS) in the scheduled area of Nonsuch Palace, Ewell. The survey area covered most of the main Nonsuch Palace building, excavated in 1959 by Martin Biddle. The aims of the survey were 1. To identify the outline of the building which Epsom and Ewell Borough Council hoped to outline on the ground to improve the visitor experience 2. To examine the impact of previous excavation on the magnetometry results. Results showed a number of linear anomalies matching brick-built features uncovered during excavation but the survey did not clearly identify the external walls of the Palace. Readings were impacted by debris in the backfill of the excavation, but evidence for the direction of a drain outside the excavation area was detected.

St Martin of Tours church, Church Street, Epsom

Watching brief by S Nelson of EEHAS during the construction of a disabled access ramp to the Church House, in the north-west of the churchyard, revealed considerable modern disturbance, possibly associated with the construction of the building. Post-medieval glass and pottery were recovered from the disturbed deposit together with a small assemblage of disarticulated animal and human bone. The latter represents at least two individuals, one of whom had a pathological growth on the lower leg, possibly from disease or trauma.

Epsom College, College Road, Epsom

A magnetometer survey by R Davies of ADAS on the site of a new car park revealed two possible linear features of archaeological origin; however, the presence of significant amounts of ferrous material may have masked other archaeological features. A subsequent watching brief by S Dalby and J McNicoll-Norbury of the same unit, revealed the foundations of a 19th century gymnasium known from cartographic evidence but no other finds or features of archaeological interest. The possible linear features noted from the geophysical survey were not identified.

Church Meadow, Ewell

A magnetometer survey led by N Cowlard of EEHAS identified a linear anomaly, possibly a ditch, perpendicular to and intersecting the previously recorded east roadside ditch of the Roman road Stane Street (SyAC 101, 214). A number of further linear anomalies were recorded to the south of Stane Street.

Ewell Grove School, West Street, Ewell

Watching brief by W Weller of SCAU showed the site to have been severely disturbed. However, a large ditch of probable Roman date was observed close to the main school building and is possibly a continuation of ditches excavated by S S Frere in 1939 and 1940 (SyAC 48, 45–60). A compacted chalk layer, which may represent a courtyard area between buildings noted on the Ewell Enclosure Map of 1803, was also recorded. A quantity of worked flint of Mesolithic, Neolithic and later Bronze Age date was recovered, indicating activity during these periods within the vicinity.

Old Malden Lane, Worcester Park

Evaluation by T Vieira of ASE on land to the west of the lane revealed the base of a small, rectangular, 18th century, brick structure, despite considerable horizontal truncation. Its function could not be determined although its date, together with cartographic evidence, suggests that it is associated with Worcester Park gunpowder mill. No other finds or features were recorded.

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