Report on an archaeological assessment undertaken in 2003 by N Bannister for the Woodlands Trust. Because the wood was probably managed as a wood pasture common (where manorial tenants could graze stock beneath an open canopy of pollarded trees and where there was little need for wood banks dividing the property of different woodland owners), and because of levelling for and laying out of a munitions store located here during the Second World War, few features of antiquity exist.

Historic building survey undertaken by A Holton and J Murray of ASE to provide information to support the conservation of the farm buildings and inform any future repairs or alterations. The site comprises a farmhouse and two parallel ranges of farm buildings, all constructed in brick with timber roof structures, and built in 1900. These buildings replaced a farm that was present on the site in the mid-19th century, but documentary evidence indicates that the site has been occupied since at least the 17th century.

Evaluation by J Vuolteenaho of MoLAS in advance of the installation of a new track revealed one area containing postholes representing either early activity, or an earlier fence alignment, and another with a small shallow feature and further postholes. Monitoring by S Davis during machine clearance around the area of the first set of postholes did not reveal any similar or associated deposits, but the concrete roof of either a basement or bunker was uncovered. Although not fully excavated, the structure was found to extend at least 2m below the present ground surface.

Evaluation by N Hawkins of PCA in advance of the construction of a new film stage in the area around the existing ‘I’ stage building did not reveal any finds or features of archaeological interest. Monitoring was also undertaken during the excavation of pits for new foundation piers for the Eastern Workshops. K Sabel of PCA also undertook an historic building survey of Building 25, which was constructed in 1933 as part of the expansion of the British film industry that saw the development of twenty film studios in and around London.

Evaluation by D Eddisford of AOC revealed evidence for medieval occupation and post-medieval dumping deposits surviving along the High Street, sealed beneath the footings of the modern structures. Truncation had removed deposits in areas away from the High Street frontage however. Subsequent excavation confirmed this, with the medieval features surviving along the street frontage including ditches, postholes and a pottery kiln. An area of Tudor stratigraphy also survived, which included brick structures and a metalled surface.

Watching brief by S Coles of TVAS observed a single modern (19th or 20th century) pit.

Watching brief by C Mayo of PCA revealed a single undated posthole, and layers of 20th century demolition rubble, but little of archaeological significance.

Building recording survey and watching brief by G Pattison of SCAU prior to and during the demolition of an air-raid shelter. A RCHME level 2 survey was conducted, with the archive subsequently augmented by the record of its demolition.

Watching brief by A Clark of EH and D Williams of SCC during works to clear parts of the moat revealed only 19th and 20th century finds.

Evaluation and building recording by A Birchenough of MoLAS revealed no below-ground finds or features of archaeological interest. However, the photographic recording works to two air-raid shelters provided a useful archive of unusual prefabricated structures prior to their demolition.