Surrey Archaeological Society

Test excavation some years previously by R Masefield of a possible RB tile production site located a large pit feature filled with 550 fragments of RB tile. They included much waster material represented by partially fired, overfired and distorted material, and a range of tile types, including roof, flue and hypocaust tiles. Fabric analysis by I Betts at the Museum of London demonstrated that the Reigate tilery had been supplying tiles to major sites in London. (282; see report in SyAC 90, 247-259)

Observation of foundation trenches by S P Dyer for SCAU and the Hancock Ward Company did not reveal anything of archaeological interest, probably because of levelling at some time in the past. (279)

Observation of works within the Cage by S P Dyer for SCAU and the Hancock Ward Company located two floor levels, but the lowest is thought to have been not more than 100 years old. There were no other discoveries of archaeological interest. (279)

Observation by D W Williams for the Hygate Partnership of the digging of foundation trenches revealed a stone wall probably dated post 1800 with an associated chalk surface. Beneath this surface deposits of late 12th/early 13th century date were found. (280)

Observation by D W Williams of the digging of floodlight cable trenches south of the standing buildings revealed a number of general levels: featureless brown sandy loam below possibly 16th/l7th century layers below a possible 18th century courtyard surface, itself below a spread of late 19th century stone and brick rubble. At three points adjacent to the sunken garden were observed the substantial footings of stone walls bonded with yellow mortar.

Evaluation in advance of proposed groundworks, by Graham Hayman of SCAU for Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, confirmed that the moat embankment is of relatively recent construction, but that it had buried a 13th century bank of roughly similar alignment.

Evaluation in advance of a new access road to the rear of the High Street, by Graham Hayman of SCAU for Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, located a shallow ditch orientated north-south. No finds were recovered from the ditch, but it was sealed by a layer in which a few sherds of medieval pottery had been found.

Excavation by D W Williams of the surviving north-east corner of a 17th century building reconstructed in the 18th century. A section had been recorded in 1989; it had been discovered when a substantial part of the remains were removed for use as backfill for sand caverns. There was no evidence for earlier occupation along this part of London Road. Finds included part of a 16th century mullion and transom window, possibly from the Priory, and a complete late l7th century wine bottle, still corked and half full. (275)

Evaluation trial trenching by S P Dyer for SCAU and SCC did not reveal anything of archaeological interest. (278)

Evaluation by trial trenching and observation of foundation trenches carried out by S P Dyer for SCAU and Linden Homes PLC did not locate anything of archaeological interest. (279)