Surrey Archaeological Society

Watching brief by I Howell of MOLA, following previous work in 2010 and 2011 (SyAC 97, 206–7; 98, 248–9), revealed evidence for Roman occupation including a group of Roman pottery containing large unabraded sherds and a fragment of a stamped mortarium.

Historic building recording by L Prosser for SCAU. The two principal buildings were of early 20th century date, later augmented by structures in the 1950s–70s that created a continuous industrial complex with smaller associated buildings. Several of these are probably also of early 20th century date. The earliest buildings were fairly technologically advanced, employing lightweight steel-framed construction with pink Fletton brick infill. Subsequent modification and development was traceable through the 20th century, with later augmentation and remodelling of the older buildings.

Evaluation by W Weller of SCAU revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Geophysical survey and evaluation by J Powell of WA revealed the remains of a 19th century concrete house known as Fernlands that was demolished between 1938 and 1939. The structure, designed by architect Thomas Wonnacott and built in the period 1868–70, was one of the earliest non-military structures in the country constructed entirely from concrete and put Wonnacott at the forefront of his field. The remains consisted of unreinforced concrete and brick walls, floors or yard surfaces and basements.

Evaluation by S Driscoll of AA confirmed that undisturbed, post-medieval, human burials were preserved within the footprint of the proposed new development within the churchyard.

Watching brief by Z Pozorski for AS revealed modern truncation and a modern pit.

Watching brief by C Barton for LP revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Evaluation by A Thorne of ASE identified several ditches, probably part of the medieval and post-medieval field systems recorded on previous investigations nearby (SyAC 95, 309; 92, 279). No discrete features were recorded and only a few sherds of medieval pottery were recovered.

Excavation by A Margetts of ASE, following on from contiguous work in 2012, revealed continuing evidence of Middle/Late Iron Age and Late Iron Age/Romano-British activity. Further medieval and post-medieval evidence was recorded, mainly comprising field systems. Results from the site show that prehistoric, Romano-British and medieval settlement in the area developed and extended in close proximity to arterial waterways such as the Burstow stream where fertile land, with both riverine and forest habitat resources, clearly presented an attractive proposition to ancient settlers.

Evaluation by A Forshaw for ASE revealed a shallow gully and an infilled probable boundary ditch of post-medieval date.