Surrey Archaeological Society

Oxford Archaeology (OA) was asked by Atkins Ltd, acting on behalf of The Environment Agency, to carry out a programme of heritage asset recording on five paddle and rymer weirs on the River Thames (and Kennet), which are to be replaced. The weirs recorded are those at Radcot, Northmoor, Mapledurham, Blakes and Molesey. OA previously undertook a similar piece of recording on Shepperton 'B' Weir on the River Thames in Surrey.

Oxford Archaeology (OA) has carried out a programme of investigation and recording at Weir House in Guildford, Surrey, a Grade II Listed Building owned by the National Trust and situated in a Conservation Area. The house is in good condition and currently inhabited by tenants. The work is in advance of any possible changes that may be proposed in the future so that informed conservation recommendations can be made for practical and effective management that will not compromise the buildings special features and overall historic value.

In January 2013, Oxford Archaeology carried out a trial trench evaluation at Land at Blackburn Trading Estate, Northumberland Road, Stanwell, Surrey. Features associated with the early 20th century development of the site for an animal feeds factory were recorded. No earlier archaeological features were present. Across much of the site, recent remediation work is likely to have removed any archaeological features which may have once existed.

In October 2013 Oxford Archaeology conducted an archaeological test-pit evaluation and watching brief during the excavation of a channel diversion at Farnham Bourne, Surrey (centred at NGR: SU 8472 4617). The excavation exposed modern reinforcement of the south bank of the water course together with two phases of probable garden soils overlying alluvial deposits. The existing channel’s location, above the level of the gardens to the south, suggests that the water course was channelised, probably to supply a mill further to the east.

Oxford Archaeology undertook a staged programme of archaeological work at Priory Park, Reigate, Surrey, during May-July 2005 on behalf of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Land Use Consultants. This programme included a desk-based assessment, walkover survey, geophysical survey and trenched evaluation. Most of the fieldwork was targeted at elucidating the location and layout of the medieval Reigate Priory, and the post-Dissolution development of the Priory as a residence set in landscaped parkland.

Oxford Archaeology South (OAS) was commissioned by Andrew Josephs Ltd, on behalf of J and J Franks Ltd, to undertake an archaeological evaluation of land at Mercers Farm, near Nutfield, Surrey (centred on TQ 3050 5200) ahead of proposed mineral extraction. The work was undertaken between 3rd - 27th January 2012. A total of 94 trenches were excavated across the site. Evidence was found for activity from three main periods: the earliest spanning the late Bronze Age to early Iron Age; medieval agricultural use; and post-medieval activity.

Although no significant archaeological remains were identified during the preliminary Phase 1 watching brief works the Phase 2 works partially exposed two articulated skeletons which were preserved in-situ. The works also revealed two brick culverts. The investigation of the straw and organic material in the roof structure was of interest. The straw appears to have been used as a packing material rather than being traces of a former thatched roof and its use in this way appears to be very unusual.

An Archaeological Evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology at Kingswood Warren, Kingswood, Surrey. Thirty-two trenches were excavated. The earliest finds consisted of two pieces of unstratified worked flint. However, no other prehistoric artefacts or associated features were identified. The footings of garden buildings of probable late 19th-century date were revealed in trenches to the west and south of the existing Kingswood Warren house. To the east of the house evidence for probably modern woodland planting was also recorded.

In February 2017 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an archaeological watching brief for CgMs on behalf of Crest and Aviva Investors at Trumps Farm, Chertsey, Surrey (centred on NGR: SU 9876 6537; Fig. 1). The watching brief was undertaken to fulfil a condition attached to a planning consent for the development of a small car park adjacent to Kitsmead Lane (Planning ref: RU.13/0857). No features or deposits of archaeological interest were observed during groundworks and, despite visual scanning of spoil, no artefactual material pre-dating the modern period was recovered.

Archaeology South-East were commissioned by Rider Levett Bucknall on behalf of their client Surrey County Council to carry out an evaluation on land at Sandcross Junior School, Sandcross Lane, Reigate (NGR 524901 148763) prior to the construction of an extension to the school buildings and modification of the playing field. The work was undertaken between 24th October 2011 and 26th October 2011.