Surrey Archaeological Society

Evaluation by L Esteves of TVAS revealed no archaeological finds or features.

Watching brief by D Graham of SyAS revealed no evidence for medieval or other occupation in the vicinity, although it is worth noting that medieval pottery has been recovered from fields immediately to the east of the village. This presumably means there was a settlement close to the church, albeit there was no evidence for it at 3 or 4 St Mary’s Cottages. However, it is still possible that the evidence for any previous street front developments could have been completely removed when the existing cottages were terraced into the slope in the 19th century.

A test pit evaluation by W Weller of SCAU showed limited potential, with the only finds from the topsoil and subsoil. No archaeological features were revealed and most of the artefacts were of post-medieval date.

Watching brief by M Saywood of SCAU indicated that the ground had been previously levelled. A small area of earlier exterior ground surface was revealed, with remains indicating a path or drainage feature that dated to the post-medieval period.

Watching brief by D Sanchez of TVAS revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Watching brief by D Graham of SyAS revealed the remains of a relatively recent garden path consisting of a layer of hardcore overlain by a band of gravel. No other features were observed and no finds were recovered other than pieces of modern roof tile.

Evaluation by J Hirst of ASE revealed five undated features: three pits, a posthole and a ditch. Evidence of levelling was recorded in the eastern part of the site and extensive truncation was recorded in the northern part of the site.

Building appraisal by M Higgins of SCC recorded a late 17th century, four-bay, two-storey timber-framed building with gables at each end, a multiple flue chimney in the third bay, a clasped side purlin roof and small square panel framing. Many of the timbers are reused.

Building appraisal by M Higgins of SCC recorded a three-bay house with a hip and gablet to the north and smoke-blackened timbers showing evidence of a pre-1540 open hall house. A clasped side purlin roof and high eaves suggest this may be a late example for the period and of possible Hampshire influence. Halvings in the roof space provide evidence for a smoke louvre. It is considered that it was either constructed as a ‘boot’ hall, with the middle bay undivided from the open hall bay, or a divided middle bay to allow a passageway between doors.