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.

Evaluation by J Pine of TVAS in advance of redevelopment revealed a concentration of features in one part of the site. The features comprised pits, postholes and two possible ditches, and may represent several phases of activity. The features that could be dated appear to be from the early Medieval period, but the discovery of pottery of Roman and early to middle Saxon date suggests activity of those dates in the near vicinity. Excavation of this area is proposed for the future.

Excavation by G Hayman of SCAU revealed evidence of Roman ritual activity, including human inhumations and cremations, and an animal burial, and pits and ditches which may belong to later, 4th century, settlement. Interpretation is tentative as work is in progress, and no finds analysis has taken place.

Excavation by J McKinley of WA of a site on the High Street frontage, and of the former British Gas site, both as part of the Central Trading Estate redevelopment. Limited evidence of Bronze Age activity was observed at both sites, including flood defence measures and probable agricultural activity. The major phase of occupation was in the early Romano-British period, where domestic activity, including an in situ tessellated floor surface and associated wall lines indicative of a substantial structure, and small scale industrial activity was concentrated in the area of the High Street site.

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.

Evaluation by J Stevenson of SCAU prior to the creation of a new “heathland style” golf course. No finds or features of archaeological significance were revealed. A subsequent watching brief discovered only a few pieces of calcined flint. Fieldwalking by A Allen, a local archaeologist, did lead to the discovery of sherds of pottery and tile of late Roman date in one area. The stripped area adjoining the find site was examined, but no features relating to occupation were found.

Evaluation by J Robertson of SCAU prior to the construction of a new wing. No features of significance were revealed, although Roman and Medieval material was recovered from the topsoil.