Surrey Archaeological Society

Ground radar survey undertaken Cobham Technical Services to inform decisions on where to re-inter the post-medieval human skeletal remains recovered during the investigation carried out in advance of the construction of the new vestry by PCA in 2009. Six areas within the churchyard were targeted, with five of these producing evidence of anomalies suggestive of either burials or a drain. The results of the survey indicated one area, close to the Lych gate, was archaeologically empty.

Evaluation by N Randall of SCAU revealed the line of a cinder track of probable 19th century date, but no finds or features of significant archaeological interest.

Evaluation by T Munnery of SCAU revealed that parts of the site had been subject to modern disturbance and possible medieval terracing and reduction, but all of the four trenches yielded finds of archaeological interest and two of the trenches revealed archaeological features of Mesolithic, medieval and post-medieval date. The Mesolithic feature, a pit, and a nearby spread of flintwork of similar date, may represent a small residue of on site Mesolithic hunter-gatherer activity, possibly associated with a hearth.

Evaluation by R Humphrey of PCA revealed anomalies representing either natural variations in the natural clay or areas of increased manganese panning, two possible tree-bowl type features, late post-medieval field drains, but no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Evaluation by D Hart of ASE revealed an undated pit and ditch terminus, and a possibly related ditch of probable medieval date in the west of the site. A layer of colluvial material containing prehistoric pottery was recorded in the eastern part of the site.

A programme of historic building recording, evaluation, and a watching brief during the reduction of floor levels within the farmhouse, at Lowerhouse Farm by L Capon of AOC. The farmhouse is dated by a render plaque to 1525, but shows many phases of repair and extension. The earliest parts of the farmhouse are fully timber-framed, and reveal the building to have started as a Hall House, the hall lying north of a two-storey, four room block.

Watching brief by N Cowlard of EEHAS did not reveal any finds or features of archaeological interest.

Monitoring by A Haslam of PCA during demolition works and the removal of intrusive features, including a number of petrol tanks, revealed evidence of extensive modern made ground and no finds or features of archaeological interest. Police subsequently informed of skeletal remains and PCA did further observation.

Evaluation by T Munnery of SCAU revealed a number of features which, with the exception of a pit or posthole that could be of Neolithic date, were dateable to the Bronze Age. The features comprised ditches, pits and postholes and were concentrated within the southern corner of the site, and indicates settlement or a focus of activity within this area. Residual finds of Mesolithic to medieval date were also recovered, but none were associated with a contemporary feature or in a concentration.

Watching brief by W Weller of SCAU during the construction of a replacement building close to Wayneflete's Tower revealed segments of a possible Tudor culvert and a crude brick structure running parallel to it.