Surrey Archaeological Society

Observation by S P Dyer for SCAU and the National Rivers Authority of flood defence improvement works located no artefacts of archaeological interest but added to knowledge of the area between the gravel 'islands' on which Staines stands. (282)

A watching brief on groundworks at the Town Hall and some excavation was carried out by P M G Jones of SCAU for Spelthorne Borough Council. This confirmed that the building lay over medieval and Roman near-shore muds and silts which were sealed below 16th-17th century levels, probably representing foreshore reclamation. A reed peat filled feature of 15th century date was recorded, which contained numerous cut offs of wood and scraps of leather. The earliest buildings on the site appear to be late 15th or 16th century in date.

Evaluation by trial trenching in advance of redevelopment, by Graham Hayman of SCAU for Crest Homes (Southern) Ltd, in an area where aerial photography has identified crop marks. No features of archaeological interest were noted.

A watching brief on building works was carried out by G R Pattison of SCAU for the Homewood National Health Service Trust. The site lies within the area of the abbey cemetery, but no archaeological features were observed.

Fieldwalking of an area proposed for mineral extraction carried out by Graham Hayman of SCAU for Hall Aggregates (Thames Valley) Ltd produced 34 pieces of struck flint, randomly distributed over the site. No diagnostic pieces were recovered, but most of the pieces are probably Neolithic or Bronze Age in date.

Evaluation by trial trenching in advance of gravel extraction, by Graham Hayman of SCAU for Hall Aggregates Ltd, adjacent to an area where work in 1989/90 had revealed Bronze Age and Roman features, revealed more extensive features, indicating occupation of mid-late Iron Age to 4th century date, with some evidence from the Bronze Age.

A prominent brick tower is identified by P Sowan as an observatory for surveying the line of the Merstham Tunnel on the London & Brighton Railway Company line constructed in 1838-41. The structure is described and the possibility of its present appearance resulting from later modifications is discussed. (SIHG 76) Four substantial square brick pillars linked at the top with iron ties are identified by P Sowan as the remains of an observatory for the surveying of a tunnel on the London Brighton & South Coast Railway's Quarry Line, which opened in 1899. (SIHG 76) TQ291 546

Remains of buffer depot 124, one of a series built between November 1941 and December 1942 and used for storage of supplies in the Second World War and subsequent ‘cold war’ located by P Sowan. (SIHG 74)

Evaluation trial trenching by S P Dyer for SCAU and SCC failed to locate any finds or features earlier than the 19th century. (278)

Evaluation by trial trenching in advance of redevelopment, by G R Pattison of SCAU for Surrey County Council, revealed two medieval ditches, possibly early field boundaries, and an undated hearth and gully.