Surrey Archaeological Society

Historic building recording by A Williamson of ASE. Two structures were recorded prior to their demolition. Both buildings were located within an area where gunpowder manufacture on the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills site had originated in the 17th century. However, later development had apparently removed any evidence of such early activity and the site and structures fell outside the area of the Scheduled Monument.

Watching brief by S Stevens of ASE revealed no finds or features of archaeological significance.

Evaluation by J Perry of SutAS revealed only 19th century material, together with evidence for terracing and horizontal truncation of the site.

Watching brief by J Aaronson and E Jeffrey of CA during water mains replacement. No finds or features of archaeological significance were revealed.

Four seasons of excavation directed by D Calow of SyAS, following magnetometry and earlier trial trenching. A V-shaped Roman ditch, 2m wide x 1.2m deep, running east--west at the northern end of the site was found to continue into the neighbouring field where there was a second ditch alongside it on a slightly different alignment. The ditches may form the northern boundary of the Roman site. A Roman furnace was located that was similar to two previously identified, and which had an unusual 2m-long gully leading to the hearth.

Watching brief by R Humphrey and K Bower of PCA revealed evidence for post-medieval agricultural activity in the form of a possible ploughsoil, together with several post-medieval features indicative of occupation including a brick soakaway and clay-lined pit possibly for the retention of liquids.

Watching brief by D Calow of SyAS carried out on a narrow telephone cable trench. A number of structural features that possibly relate to a small mid-19th century cottage or outbuilding were revealed.

Soil stripping, mapping and sampling by S Porter of TVAS. No finds or features of archaeological significance were revealed.

Watching brief by R Lambert of SCAU during the installation of a gas pipeline through the northern bank of the fort revealed evidence for the original construction of the feature.