Surrey Archaeological Society

Test excavations in advance of alteration and extension of the buildings, by Graham Hayman of SCAU for Triggs Turner Investment Co, recorded several pits and some walling of 17th-18th century date. Beneath these features, pits, postholes and stake holes of late 12th-early 13th century date were found. The majority of the pits had been used for domestic rubbish disposal. One very large feature is presumed to have been produced by quarrying for chalk. Levelling into the slope for building had truncated features towards the rear of the site.

Chalk block wall 1.25m wide recorded by GMVEU in gas main trench. The wall was possibly the same as another noted by contractors on the western side of South Hill. The possibility of the wall being part of the castle bailey wall is discussed. (283)

Observation of swimming pool construction by GMVEU located the probable bailey ditch of the castle. It was about 6m across and over 3m in depth. (282; 283)

Small-scale excavation by GMVEU for Guildford Borough Council recovered finds from the 13th and the 16th to 19th centuries. (282)

Finds including late 15th century Tudor Green drinking vessels, late 15th to early 16th century German stoneware jugs, much animal bone and a piece of wood carved with a fleur-de-lis located in observation of building works by J Boas for Guildford Museum (September-October 1991). (282)

Cellars projecting under the road recorded by G Bierton for GMVEU. (282)

Four sections of undated chalk block wall, possibly a cellar, identified by GMVEU in building works. Finds from within the area of the walls dated from 13th to 16th centuries, including very fine 16th century globular drinking jugs and a polychrome altar vase. An unusually high concentration of fish bones and oyster shells was recovered. (282)

Medieval and post-medieval finds discovered by GMVEU during refurbishment works. Two possible occupation layers were noted, one over a crushed chalk floor. The natural chalk had not been reached at 1.5m down. (282; 284)

Research/training excavation continued, directed by Rob Poulton of SCAU, for SCC, SyAS, the Society of Antiquaries and others. The area outside the outer bailey ditch as found to have been extensively quarried for chalk. The resulting pits had subsequently been infilled and palace buildings constructed there c1200. Interesting finds included pieces of a medieval glass urinal from a garderobe shaft. (271) The 1993 season of excavation focused on the supposed line of the outer bailey ditch, but no trace of the feature was found, presumably because the ditch ran further to the east.

Features identified as a possible medieval undercroft noted by GMVEU. (282)