Surrey Archaeological Society

Evaluation by G Dawkes of ASE revealed evidence of water management features associated with the lake. The dating of these features was uncertain but map evidence suggests that they are no earlier than late 18th century in origin.

Strip, map and sample by J Wright of COT revealed two pits and two linear features, and recovered a small quantity of probable Mesolithic flint from the top of the natural substrate. One of the pits was similar to examples investigated in an adjoining area in 2011 thought likely to be tree-throw hollows resulting from tree clearance in the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age. The second pit is also likely to be the remains of a tree-throw hollow but probably of recent origin.

Evaluation and excavation by I Hogg of ASE following evaluation and a geophysical survey undertaken by WA in 2011 and 2012. Intense activity in the Late Bronze Age was recorded in two isolated pockets of the site. The corner of a rectilinear enclosure was recorded close to an area of pitting, probably the remains of quarrying and grain storage, although the main focus of the Bronze Age activity was in the east of the site where 147 postholes provided evidence for seven or eight post-built structures.

Evaluation by D Hopkinson of ASE revealed a number of features of modern origin, and two undated features, the nature of which suggests they represent tree-throw hollows or evidence of animal burrowing.

Excavation by D Bird for the Roman Studies Group of SyAS. Excavations were aimed at completing work on the area of the ‘new’ building discovered in 2010, the villa excavated by A W G Lowther and the two-period tile kiln. A trench across the latter revealed further detail of the construction of the back walls of both kilns, the side walls of the later kiln and a possibly uniquely surviving vent associated with the first period kiln. Tiled surfaces found in the corners were probably used as post pads for a cover structure, as none were found except at the corners.

Archaeological monitoring by F Pemberton of SyAS of groundworks associated with an extension in an area of recorded Neolithic and Bronze Age flint findspots. Clean yellow lower greensand was observed below the topsoil and no flints were noted.

Evaluation by S Stevens of ASE recovered two pieces of Mesolithic/Early Neolithic flintwork and some late post-medieval material, but no features of archaeological interest.

Photographic survey by Boast Associates prior to demolition of the Police Station buildings.

Watching brief by D Bray of TVAS following evaluation of the site in 2012. Investigations were limited but where archaeological horizons were exposed, a late post-medieval pit and brick-built soakaway or cesspit, and an undated, stone-lined well with brick capping were revealed.

Watching briefs undertaken by F Pemberton and S Nelson of SyAS revealed made-ground over the whole site in the form of dumped deposits comprising pottery kiln waste and other material of post-medieval date. The deposits filled shallow quarry pits, presumably dug to obtain sand. Little evidence of early occupation was found and it is likely that the area remained as back land/garden use probably until the 18th century. A small assemblage of 18th century clay tobacco pipe bowls, including some Dorking-manufactured examples, was retrieved.