Surrey Archaeological Society

Report provided details of previous excavations by D J Turner. Parts of the defences were sectioned and the principal masonry building within the inner ward was examined. The original defences were a D-shaped ringwork approximately 80 x 55m within a kidney shaped outer ward or bailey. The massive ditch and bank around the inner ward were sectioned. Work on the masonry building showed that it measured-23.27 x 24.64m with square stair turrets at NW and SE corners. Internal features included possible supports for first floor hearths.

Trial excavation by G H Cole for Surrey Heath Group of SyAS of an apparent hilltop ditched enclosure noted on aerial photographs produced no evidence to explain either the marks or a positive resistivity survey. In site observation during development, Mesolithic flakes and cores, medieval and later coins and pottery were found.

Two seasons of excavation by G H Cole for Surrey Heath Group of SyAS. The first located extensive probably late IA to early RB bronze and iron slag and related deposits, a large IA ditch, a 3rd century RB timber framed structure, a post-4th century palisade and plank-formed building and various later RB ditches. Some 5.4m of the timber sole plate of the 3rd century building survived as charcoal. (208)

Final phase of excavation by G H Cole for Surrey Heath Group of SyAS located the outfall of an early 17th century wooden water supply pipe partly excavated in 1983. It is thought to have supplied an artificial pond for watering animals. Possibly Mesolithic flint flakes, a scattering of abraded 3rd/4th century RB pottery and various 13th-14th century ditches and other features were also recorded. (212)

Excavation by R J Poulton for SCC in advance of building work. A flint scatter and a Mesolithic tranchet axe indicated prehistoric activity in the area, and RB pottery and tile suggested a nearby site, whose whereabouts were possibly identified by a resistivity survey. The excavation produced a substantial early Saxon midden deposit, with much bone and pottery, the latter of a number of different types. There were also late Saxon ditches parallel to previous discoveries, and a scatter of medieval pottery. (216)

Finds made during gravel digging, probably from a former watercourse, include a Neolithic antler macehead, a LBA socketed axe with wooden handle (originally of two pieces like a wooden pickaxe), an IA sword with the bronze scabbard fittings surviving, a complete IA pot, a bronze cauldron, and other pieces of wood, antler and bone including part of a human skull.

Small scale excavation by M C O'Connell for SCC and HBMC to complete clearance of a large pit with a BA wooden structure.

Excavation by SAFG produced no sign of the suspected RB cemetery, but LBA sherds were found below a layer of silt.

Excavation and site watching by N Shepherd and P M G Tones for SCC, Crowngap and Royal Insurance in advance of redevelopment. The area proved to have been much disturbed in the post-medieval period, but it was possible to trace RB flood deposits in a former channel at the rear of the site, and some fragments of early RB clay and timber buildings in the centre. Finds from later disturbance indicated the former presence nearby of substantial RB buildings. Traces of a medieval timber structure were also found and the much damaged remains of a medieval stone building on the street frontage.

Excavation by P M G Jones for SCC and Courage in advance of redevelopment examined medieval river channels and an area adjacent to the Church Street frontage, where some deeper features survived destruction by recent activity. One deep linear feature had a fill of RB building debris, and a levelling layer over it contained early to mid Saxon pottery. A ditch filled in in the 1101/12th century and several 13th-14th century features were also found. (220)