Test pitting in Old Stable Field, Nonsuch Park September 2019

Year: 
2019
Borough: 
Epsom & Ewell

Seven archaeological test pits were excavated in Old Stable Field, Nonsuch Park, Ewell (centred NGR TQ 2318 6370) during an Open Weekend on 21st –22nd September 2019. This work was carried out in accordance with a Project Design as part of the Surrey Archaeological Society (SyAS) Test Pitting Programme (funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant) in partnership with Epsom & Ewell History & Archaeology Society. The test pitting project was a response to research carried out by members of Epsom & Ewell History & Archaeology Society (EEHAS) into aspects of later activity relating to Nonsuch Palace. The use of test pitting to identify the area of the later stables, thought to be in Old Stable Field Field (centred TQ 52296 63568), followed targeted magnetometry over the area. The magnetometry survey revealed several linear features on more than one alignment in the test pitting area. The apparent area of disturbance noted was confirmed during test pittiing as a spread of building debris. Overall, 72 sherds of pottery were recovered during the test pitting: 3 Prehistoric, 1 Roman, 1 Saxon, 19 Medieval, 25 Post-Medieval, 23 Modern including PMR). The medieval sherds may relate to the village of Cuddington, which was destroyed during the creation of Nonsuch Palace and its hunting park. The 16th -17th post-medieval pottery may reflect the use of the site for the later Nonsuch Palace stables from 1599 onwards. 

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