Excavation by R Poulton of SCAU, for SCC, of an area proposed for residential development, previously evaluated in 1994 and 1997. The first phase of activity on the site was early to mid 2nd century when a number of human cremations were buried in shallow scoops. In the same period a large boundary ditch was excavated and it is possible that a post-built structure is also of this date. In the late 2nd - 3rd centuries, a large stone-built structure was constructed.

Resistivity survey following on from fieldwalking in 1997 located several linear features, and two small trenches were excavated by H Davies and J English and the GfdAG to investigate their nature. The features proved to be three ditches, seemingly parallel, and a small extension to one of the trenches located a short length of probable wall footing of large flint nodules keyed together but not mortared and cut into the ditch siltings.

Training excavation by S Dyer, for SyAS, on land where investigations in 1939 revealed two phases of medieval buildings and a kiln. The location of the earlier excavation as well as other features were suggested by topographical and geophysical surveys. A strong magnetic anomaly proved to be the location of the kiln recorded in 1939, and the recovery of significant quantities of brick and tile suggest that the kiln produced both these types of building material, probably in the early post-medieval period.

Survey of the archaeological and historic landscape of the Commons by C Currie of CKC Archaeology, for SCC and the Corporation of London, undertaken with reference to them being proposed as Areas of Historic Landscape Value. In the north of Ashtead Common a number of earthworks and other features surround the site of a Roman villa. The villa is a rare type of corridor villa, with considerable evidence that it adjoined a large scale tile manufactory. Extensive areas of quarries and spoil heaps demonstrate the extent of industrial activity on the site in the Roman period.

Evaluation by M Dover of SCAU, for the Mitchell Evans Partnership, of the site of a new leisure centre within what was formerly Nonsuch Park. Several features were revealed, some of Roman date, some possibly Bronze Age. Only the bases of these features survived, indicating that the use of the site as a nursery had caused a degree of disturbance.

Evaluation by S Ford of TVAS, for St James’ Homes, of the only area of this redevelopment site apparently undisturbed. The results confirmed that the area tested had been largely undisturbed, but little of archaeological interest was revealed. One late post-medieval ditch was recorded and a few pieces of pottery were recovered, including a sherd from a late Medieval pitcher and a sherd from a 12th/13th century cooking pot. A rim sherd from a late 2nd to 3rd century Roman pot was also recovered.

A watching brief carried out during stripping of the site in advance of mineral extraction was followed by an excavation by G Hayman of SCAU later in the year. This extended considerably the area of excavation carried out the previous year. The archaeological work has revealed a variety of features of Late Iron Age and Early Roman origin. These features include numerous ditches, which form parts of field systems and settlement enclosures, with evidence for trackways with ditches to either side.

Recovery by D and A Graham of 455 coins ranging in date from Roman 1st

Watching brief carried out by C Hasler of SyAS on the site of a mobile telephone mast. The site lay directly above the line of the London-Lewes Roman road, which was revealed in the 3x3m foundation pit for the mast. The road was found to be composed of a pebble surface, approximately 0.10m thick, overlying a flint layer of 0.12-0.15m thickness. The width of the road is estimated to be about 6m, although it was apparent that some damage had been caused to the feature previously, probably during the excavation of nearby ponds, and during site levelling which took place 40-60 years ago.

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.