Surrey Archaeological Society

Report by D J Field and K Winser of fieldwalking project on a transect 1km by 10km set across the geological grain. Nearly 200ha of woodland were walked; particularly noted were a large number of quarries on the Hythe Beds. It is suggested that some could be early, perhaps RB. Systematic walking of nearly 100ha of ploughed land produced an estimated 25,000 pieces of flint coming from throughout the area. (230) Pottery suggesting a RB occupation site was discovered in the Abinger area; only sandstone blocks and a few sherds were found on the known villa site.

Large pieces of greensand and some 20 pieces of RB tile found in root plate of fallen tree and recorded by Judie English. It is suggested that the pond is related to medieval enclosures and the tile and greensand represents paving to protect its edges from erosion. (231)

Survey of medieval field systems carried out by Judie English. A bank was sectioned for environmental analysis; it had a small ditch under it apparently too large to be merely for marking out. No clear evidence for early land surfaces survived. Continuing damage by treasure hunters to the RB temple site was noted.

Small-scale excavations were undertaken by D Batchelor for HBMC to check for plough damage. Priory remains located in 1928/9 were rediscovered and the depth of ploughing established. (242; see SyAC 80, 231-2)

Site observation by S P Dyer for SCC and Hall Aggregates revealed nothing of interest.

Observation by D G Bird for SCC of refurbishment of medieval undercroft as tourist centre. The floor and steps from the street were carefully cleaned with the assistance of the Guildford Group of SyAS. The steps were shown to be much repaired but with an apparently original core; they survived best through the entrance where unfortunately they had to be removed except for a few centimetres to mark the original line. The floor was apparently of brick (probably to be dated to the 17th century) over the natural chalk; there was no sign of a medieval floor.

Observation of building work by Julia Arthur revealed nothing of interest; archaeological levels may have been too deep to judge by earlier work in this area.

Report by K D Graham of fieldwork on the A3 improvement scheme. Little material was recovered, even near the known RB villa at Compton. A handful of RB tile was found at the southern end of this part of the road scheme, and a few struck flint flakes and sherds of medieval pottery were also recovered generally along the route. (229)

Location of Armada beacon suggested by M J Alexander in contrast to location proposed in SyAC 78, 1987, 103-8 by F Kitchen. (231). Supported by G Robinson. (232)