Surrey Archaeological Society

A second phase of excavation by N Randall of SCAU, following an earlier archaeological evaluation (SyAC 99, 237) that revealed part of a previously unknown early medieval Christian burial ground, confirmed the extent of the burial ground, from which a further 225 in-situ inhumations were excavated, and revealed part of a tannery complex. A mitigation strategy was developed by which a substantial proportion of the inhumations within the development area were left in situ beneath landscaped and car park areas.

Watching brief by C Turner of the Heritage Network suggested that the garden, at least close to the house, had been terraced. No finds or features of archaeological significance were revealed.

Evaluation by R Poulton of SCAU revealed no features or finds of archaeological significance.

Evaluation by C Douglas of ASE revealed a large post-medieval pit containing 19th century pottery, brick and tile, glass and part of a clay tobacco pipe.

Watching brief by K Butler of CBAS revealed no archaeological features, although two pottery sherds dating to the Saxo-Norman period were recovered from the topsoil, suggesting possible early medieval activity on or near the site. The majority of the artefacts recovered during the watching brief were dated to the mid–late 16th century, contemporary with Forge Cottage. Other pottery recovered was of the early post-medieval period, although the largest quantity was of 19th century date.

Historic building assessment by M Higgins of SCC of a previously unrecognised three-unit (parlour, hall and service) medieval open-hall house, with an internal jetty at the upper end, an overshot cross-passage at the low end and a suggested date of the third quarter of the 15th century.

Evaluation by M Saywood of SCAU identified no finds or features of archaeological significance.

Watching brief by K Beaverstock of TVAS produced no features or finds of archaeological significance.

Evaluation by A Mundin of TVAS recorded a sequence of alluvial deposits sealed by 19th century dumped material, thought to be the result of land-raising activity. A number of late post-medieval/modern walls were recorded with associated artefacts but no deposits of archaeological significance were identified.