The original medieval settlement and manor of Albury, in Albury Park, is well-known for its displacement by the local lord(s) of the manor in the late 18th and early 19th century and re-location a kilometre away, to the present-day village, formerly the manor of Weston. Although map evidence gives us some idea as to extent of the early modern cottages and structures spread along the banks of the Tillingbourne, which were almost entirely demolished by the early 19th century, little is known of its earlier history, including evidence of medieval activity beyond its Domesday ‘Old Saxon’ church (TQ 0631 4785) and mill.

A community archaeology project, run by Surrey Archaeological Society, began in 2023, which would assess historic documents for the area and conduct a geophysical survey of the site, alongside assessment of features visible from LiDAR, to inform an updated mapped plan of the historic site. The project also undertook a controlled test pitting project of the site in order to date and potentially characterise its settlement over time.

Three seasons (and over 70 test pits in), the results have indicated traces of the cottages in Brewhouse Meadow, likely 16th or 17th century in origin, as well as in situ medieval levels at the manor's western end, at the junction with the former Dog Kennel Lane. Investigation north of the Tillingbourne in the paddock and Lower Home Meadow has also revealed that medieval activity was prominent, particularly along the course of the old road which crossed the river and continued northwards, suggesting the focus of settlement was here, before shifting south and closer to the church by the early modern period. Unexpectedly, a large amount of Roman material has also emerged in the paddock area, suggesting a previously unknown settlement.

The full interim reports will be available soon. In the meantime, you can read the posters which accompany the local display  Albury Park posters.pdf  Surrey's Past 2023