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Ravenscroft Road, St George’s Hill, Weybridge

Evaluation by Lawson-Price Environmental on behalf of Octagon Developments Ltd, in advance of residential development on the south-western side of St George’s Hill. A linear feature was recorded, leading to a larger area being opened up for excavation. A worked flint fragment was recovered from the feature, as were a number of burnt flints; these were probably redeposited by natural erosive action down the hill slope. The ditch was probably a field boundary, representing use of the hill slopes around the hillfort for agricultural purposes in the Iron Age.

Castle Keep, Reigate

A watching brief was maintained by G Beresford, for Priestmere Properties, on the redevelopment of this site within the bailey of Reigate Castle, following an evaluation in 1994. The construction of the new building on piles meant that ground disturbance was limited, but evidence for a medieval rubble layer was recorded. Observation of works for a new access drive revealed a spur to the moat that is shown on 19th century maps. This feature was sealed below the bank adjoining the existing moat, demonstrating that at this point at least the bank is modern.

Ewell House Grove, Ewell

Examination of a series of tunnels below this road was carried out by members of Subterranea Britannica, at the request of SCC’s County Roads Group. The tunnels are almost certainly service tunnels associated with the now demolished Ewell House and probably date to the late 17th or early 18th centuries. Some of the tunnels are lined with brick, others are just left as the sandstone they have been cut through. Later modification included ornamentation of some of the tunnels and use as a WWII air-raid shelter.

Home Farm, Newdigate

Dendrochronolgy of timbers from three buildings at this farm (the house, the South Barn and the East Barn) was carried out by M C Bridge, for the Ancient Monuments Laboratory. The trees for the primary base-cruck of the house were felled in AD 1351; oaks used in a second range were most likely felled in the period AD 1488-1507. These were contemporaneous with the East Barn (AD 1484-1491). New framing, incorporating a large entrance door, was added to the east side of the house from trees probably felled in AD 1574-1603; trees for a rear range were felled in AD 1639.

Matthew Arnold School, Staines.

Geophysical survey carried out by Matthew McMurray as part of a university project, in order to test for the existence of an eastern enclosure to the Caesar’s Camp earthwork, as defined by William Stukeley in 1723. A number of new features were identified, including the remains of a possible banjo enclosure, and kiln site. A possible Roman building was also noted, although this could not be confirmed. The area of the Caesar’s camp Scheduled Monument was re-plotted, and revealed what appeared to be the remains of a circular ditch within the enclosure.

Saxon County Junior School, Shepperton Green

Geophysical Survey carried out by Matthew McMurray as part of a university project, in order to locate the Roman building which excavations nearby in 1986 had suggested may be present in the field. Faint traces of stone walls were identified, as well as a possible roundhouse, which may be associated with the building. The survey also revealed a possible field system. Resistivity work is planned for the area in mid – 2001.

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