Surrey Archaeological Society

Excavation following on from evaluation in 1991, in advance of the Runfold diversion, part of the Blackwater Valley Route, by Graham Hayman of SCAU for SCC. A number of prehistoric pits, some possibly used in association with food preparation, were recorded. A provisional examination of the associated pottery has identified sherds of Bronze Age and Iron Age date. A number of Roman features included pits and ditches, one of which was possibly part of an enclosure. Associated pottery appeared to include early and late Roman material. (272

Excavation following on from evaluation in 1991, in advance of the Runfold diversion, part of the Blackwater Valley Route, by Graham Hayman of SCAU for SCC. Some prehistoric finds were made, but no contemporaneous features were discovered. Features of Roman date were recorded, including small pits and ditches and a small four post structure, as well as part of a large enclosure ditch. Provisional examination of the associated pottery suggests occupation dates to the early Roman period.

Evaluation trial trenching carried out by S P Dyer for SCAU and Drinkwater Sabey Ltd located two kiln-like structures of uncertain date and purpose. The area of the kilns was proposed for landscape planting and it was recommended that the kilns be left in situ, if the planting could avoid the relevant area. (279)

Recording by Farnham & District Museum Society of archaeological features revealed in building works and reported by K D Graham. A well-built late medieval wall of chalk blocks bonded with clay was found; it had probably acted as the retaining wall of a terrace. Later features included a brick-lined Tudor well and a rubbish pit.

Evaluation trial trenching by S P Dyer for SCAU and Alchemy Ltd located no features or stratigraphy but recovered one sherd of IA date and pottery and tile of Romano-British and medieval date.

Evaluation by trial trenching in advance of construction of the M25 service station, by Graham Hayman of SCAU for the Department of Transport, revealed concentrations of 13th century pottery associated with areas of burning, thought to indicate the production of Limpsfield ware; further excavation was recommended. Two sections, one either side of the M25, were also dug through the London-Lewes Roman road and variations in construction were noted. Two areas, one either side of the motorway, were subsequently excavated by Graham Hayman of SCAU for English Heritage.

Observation of laying of British Gas pipeline by Penny Hasler for South Eastern Archaeological Services revealed no finds of significance. (274)

Monitoring by S P Dyer for SCAU and Cairn Energy PLC of installation of drilling rig and pipeline revealed nothing of archaeological interest. (278)

Evaluation by trial trenching in advance of redevelopment, by P M G Jones of SCAU for J P Whelan Ltd, located 18th and 19th century foundations of Mayes Place, but no evidence for earlier occupation.

Report on the examination of earthworks by P J Gray and Gwyneth Fookes. It is suggested that there may have been an enclosure on the summit of Gravelly Hill some 12-15 ha in extent, marked by banks up to 4.5m in height; in places there seem to have been sections with a triple bank. To the north, on flatter downland, field lynchets were noted and it is suggested that these were associated with the enclosure. The relationship, if any, with the War Coppice Iron Age hillfort, just to the west, is not clear.