Margery Wood, Margery Lane, Reigate

Excavation by J Newell of SyAS of a narrow trench across the extensive bank and ditch earthwork previously surveyed in 2013 (SyAC 99, 228), suggested that the series of abutments to the north of the bank were contemporary with or added soon after the bank was formed. The broad ditch to the south proved to be shallow. No dating evidence was recovered from the excavation or a subsequent metal detector survey, suggesting the site may have been metal detected previously. From its form, the bank and ditch is considered to be a military earthwork, with the bays between the abutments providing shelter for firing and protection from cross-fire. It is probably pre-First World War in date and possibly Napoleonic, as is the nearby fort on Reigate Hill.
Year: 
2015
ID: 
2462
NGR: 
TQ244525