Surrey Archaeological Society

Geophysical survey and excavation by A J Clark and the Guildford Group of SyAS recorded a road-like feature running NNE–SSW, possibly part of a Roman road, seen on an aerial photograph.

Excavation by M G O'Connell for SyAS, SCC, Conoco UK, 130 MC and many other sponsors to rescue the site from damage by vandals using metal detectors, who were found to have destroyed an area of some 300m5. The foundations of a Romano-Celtic temple of the usual double square pattern were discovered, and the building located in 1979 was further examined. They were probably contemporary. The temple post-dated a black layer, provisionally thought to contain material of the mid 1st to mid 2nd centuries, with which were associated a number of items of bronze priestly regalia (figs 1, 2).

Water tower by Barratt, Exalt & Andrews, Engineers, Reading, on the SE Railway's Reading to Tonbridge line revealed during tree felling prior to redevelopment. (SIHG 35)

Excavation and site watching by R J Poulton and M G O'Connell for SCC and Epsom and Ewell Borough Council in advance of redevelopment. An undated chalk cellar and well were found aligned to West Street but not related to the most recent buildings on site. A substantial amount of RB tile and pottery (especially 2nd century) was found associated with a cobbled surface (?yard). (208; see this volume for report)

Excavation by Lesley Howes for the Painshill Park Trust continued, in conjunction with the scheme to restore the 18th century landscape garden. Several follies were examined in 1983/4: the Temple of Bacchus was rediscovered, the Grotto was cleared and its water circulating system re-established, and the Mausoleum's floor was recorded. In 1985 work was concentrated on the Hermitage, the Turkish Tent and the Water Wheel (original site). Many other trenches established aspects of the former landscape such as shrubberies, paths and lawns. (202)

P M G Jones noted Tudor pottery from a site adjacent to the church.

Shallow pits tentatively suggested by Richard Williams to be filled-in bell pits from which ore was extracted for nearby Vachery iron working site. (227)

Excavation by Judie English and K D Graham for WAAC in advance of the construction of the relief road indicated that the land in this area was under cultivation prior to the 19th century. Finds included medieval and later sherds and a trade token issued by Thomas Lusher of Chiddingfold in 1668. (224)

Excavation and observation by K D Graham for FDMS in advance of redevelopment. A few RB and medieval sherds were found in trial trenching, and several pits and ditches of late to post-medieval date were observed in development. One large ditch running north-west–south-east may be part of hastily-erected Civil War defences. It had apparently been rapidly backfilled, and contained pottery consistent with a mid-17th century date. (227)

Resistivity survey by FDMS, reported by K D Graham. Results seemed to indicate an 8m wide ditch running east to west to the south of the south front of the Castle and turning north round its east side (fig 2). It is probably the dry ditch referred to in medieval documents. Three possible structures were also located: one east of Fox's Tower; one possibly a turret on the curtain wall and one near the existing gatehouse. (224)