Surrey Archaeological Society

Excavation by G H Cole for SHAHT and Surrey Heath BC in advance of redevelopment. Waterlogged remains of a timber building provisionally dated to 1300-1350 were found, cut by a fence line and then by a massive post-built structure dated to the early 16th century. This was followed by the artificial raising of the land and the construction of a stone building of c1550-1640 dated by pottery, glass, etc thought to indicate a drinking house. The site was then unoccupied until the mid-late 18th century when the cottages recently demolished were constructed.

Observation of redevelopment by G H Cole for SHAHT revealed 19th century features relating to the development of Yorktown.

Observation and excavation by P M G Jones for SCC and Streeters Sand & Gravel in advance of gravel extraction. A crop mark noted by J N Hampton was located and found to be a hengi-form monument. It had two phases, provisionally dated early-mid Neolithic and later Neolithic, with two associated human burials and animal bone including a dog skull and several antlers. Other finds included a lump of red ochre and a considerable amount of pottery. Nearby features included two pits, one with waterlogged wood and peat.

Survey and site observation by P M G Jones for SCC and Tarmac Roadstone located evidence for an extensive buried feature, possibly a former pool upstream from the Neolithic channel previously located in gravel working nearby.

Site observation by S P Dyer for SCC and Tarmac Roadstone revealed no features of interest. The iron sword with bone handle previously noted has been identified as of IA date from crescent-shaped stamps on the blade.

Geophysical survey by R J Poulton and S P Dyer followed by excavation by P M G Jones for SCC (and County Valuer and Estates Surveyor) to attempt to establish the date and degree of survival of the enclosure known from aerial photography. Results were inconclusive but the enclosure seems to be medieval. Evidence for BA occupation in the area marked out by the later enclosure was noted. Further work is planned.

Observation of gravel extraction by P M G Jones and S P Dyer for SCC and Greenham Construction Materials Ltd revealed some worked flints.

Observation of redevelopment by P M G Jones for SCC noted only modern disturbance over blackearth.

Excavation by P M G Jones for SCC, Prudential Property Services and Woolwich Building Society in advance of redevelopment examined aspects of the site from its street frontage to the Sweeps Ditch. There was some evidence for prehistoric activity in the area near the latter, at the northern end of the site. On the street frontage evidence for occupation in the 1st, 2nd, possibly the 4th, 13th, 14th and from the 16th to the 20th centuries was found.

Excavation by P M G Jones for SCC and Central Union Property Group revealed the rear of early-mid Flavian building evidence along the High Street edge. This was succeeded by a complex of buildings and refloorings at least to the late 2nd century. Buildings were apparently always of timber. There was evidence for flooding in the mid 2nd century. Other features included ovens, hearths, wells and pits. The site was covered by blackearth in the 4th century with some floor levels as yet undated. Saxon and medieval evidence