Surrey Archaeological Society

Report by D W Williams of the discovery on a development site of a large late medieval coin hoard by R Mintey using a metal detector. There were 6701 coins, of which 125 were of gold including two half nobles of previously unrecorded issues. The coins mostly date to the reign of Henry VI. Two jugs were also recovered, and they have been restored and recorded. One is a Tudor green type and the other an unglazed pink vessel. A link with the rebellion of Jack Cade in 1450 was at first considered but further study indicated that the latest coins were two pennies of Henry VI issued in 1454-60.

Small-scale excavation by D W Williams (following topsoil stripping of area just south-east of the Priory for construction of a children's play area) revealed evidence for a probable path founded on a great deal of building rubble perhaps taken from the Tudor mansion during alterations. The path is provisionally dated to the 17th or 18th century. (253; see also note in SyAC 81, 171))

Observation by D W Williams of the demolition of the reservoir on the hill. Nothing of archaeological interest was noted.

Report on detailed fieldwalking of 96ha (237 acres) by S P Dyer and Judie English for the SyAS Surrey Historic Landscapes Project Team. A thin scatter of worked flint was found throughout the area; mostly Neolithic with some Mesolithic and some BA. Sherds of Neolithic and BA pottery were also found. Aerial photographic evidence shows that the higher ground around Bocketts Farm is covered by a Celtic field system, perhaps to be associated with the known occupation site at Hawks Hill, but no Iron Age pottery has yet been found.

Reconsideration by G Corti of the supposed RB building at this site. The flower beds were carefully searched and no RB material was found. It is suggested that the RB material built into the church may have come from the Chatley Farm villa, which may have presented a good 'quarry', not far down river, when it was eroding into the Mole. (248)

Examination and recording by E Crossland for LDLHS of the Howard family vault. 23 coffins were found, the earliest dated (probably) 1743 and the latest 1857. (251; see also review in SyAC 81, 193)

Report by Judie English of platforms and leats surviving as earthworks. They may mark the proposed gunpowder mills at Abinger Hammer which were abandoned after the building application was turned down in 1791. (SIHG 60; see SyAC 81, 91-95)

Evidence for medieval strip farming noted by O Davies including surviving ridge and furrow and some documentary evidence. (248)

Continuation of observation of golf course construction by Rob Poulton for SCAU and Marlin Estates Limited revealed nothing of interest.