Betchworth Castle (SM no 1378073)

Evaluation by J Aaronson of CA revealed two previously unidentified phases of castle development including part of a substantial footing within a deep-sided cut of 13th century date and a second phase represented by wall bases constructed from rough Reigate stone and chalk blocks. The presence of a brick hearth within the body of one of these walls suggests a later 14th or 15th century date, pre-dating the standing remains and lying to the south of the previously understood limits of the castle. A subsequent watching brief by G Potter of CA during the rebuilding of the terrace retaining wall revealed the natural sandy silt overlain by a series of demolition dumps of mainly Reigate stone rubble. The primary dump event was dated to the early to mid-17th century, with the later, existing terrace wall cut into these deposits. The scale of the demolition deposits suggests the removal of a substantial building in the early to mid-17th century.
Year: 
2013-14
ID: 
2326
NGR: 
TQ190500
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