Surrey Archaeological Society

Mesolithic flints noted in observation of redevelopment and reported by K D Graham.

Excavation by K D Graham for FDMS in advance of redevelopment located no early features and only one fragment of medieval pottery. The site had probably been levelled in association with the construction of Ivy House c1700. 19th century features were recorded, and some evidence relating to the mid-late 19th century corset factory. (236)

Observation of development by R J Poulton for SCC and Cairn Oil did not locate any features of interest.

Excavation by R J Poulton for SCC, Hepworth Minerals & Chemicals and HBMC in advance of sand quarrying involved the stripping of almost lha. A scatter of mid Saxon pottery was found, but no features. cAD 1200 a hall house with circular tile-on-edge hearth and associated timber buildings was constructed. In the early 14th century the hall was replaced by a large stone-built structure with angle buttresses. This building continued to stand but a new hall with two-storied wings (one with a cellar) was built c1400, and linked to a square kitchen.

Observation of grave digging in the northern extension of the churchyard reported by Lesley Ketteringham. 13th-14th century pottery and daub was found, presumably from the village of Walcnested, forerunner of Godstone. (241)

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.