Surrey Archaeological Society

Evaluation by the Oxford Archaeological Unit for Chris Blandford Associates along the line of proposed link roads beside the M25. Nine sites were tested by a combination of trial pitting and test pitting: Thorpe Fields; land west of Thorpe by-pass; land between Longside Lake and Great Fosters; land north of Wickham Lane; the Unigate Dairies, Egham; land west of Queensmead Lake; Yeoveney Lodge; Cambridge Kennels; and Poyle Meadows. Of these sites, four contained positive archaeological evidence.

A watching brief by R Poulton, P Jones, N Marples and M Dover of SCAU for C A Cornish & Assocs, was carried out during groundworks for redevelopment. The site lies immediately south of the Thames and fluvial deposits were identified across most of the site. Some pieces of axe-trimmed wood were recovered from the lower deposits; no dating material was recovered, but these pieces are thought likely to be prehistoric in date. Observations on works to The Causeway, which lies immediately south of the site, indicated that little, if any, of the original make up survived in this section.

Evaluation in 1994 of the first phases (centred TQ 062 630) proposed for mineral extraction, by Graham Hayman of SCAU on behalf of Ready Mixed Concrete (United Kingdom) Ltd. The area adjacent to the river Wey was found to consist of flood plain deposits and no features or finds of archaeological interest were recovered. The remaining areas produced evidence for numerous archaeological features indicating a concentration of activity, probably settlement, on an area of higher ground. Here pits, ditches and a possible ring-gully produced finds of prehistoric (Bronze or Iron Age) and Roman date.

Evaluation by Tony Champion of SCAU for Delcroft Properties Ltd, of the site of a proposed golf course and country park, revealed only modern field drains and one ditch of possibly medieval date.

Evaluation by Tony Champion of SCAU for SCC’s Resources Dept, of the disused school site, found that the site was disturbed, probably during the construction of the school in 1908.

Evaluation of a moated site which is to be partly restored during the creation of a public park, by J Robertson & R Poulton of SCAU for P & O Developments Ltd. Trenching across the line of the moat indicated that infilling had been recent. A number of sherds of whiteware of late 15th/early 16th century date were recovered from the inner side of the moat; a quantity of roof tile was also recovered, as was a quantity of slag. The moat is presumed to originate in the 12th-13th century, but no evidence for occupation at that date was recovered from these limited excavations. (300)

An evaluation of building debris, by R Poulton of SCAU for P&O Developments, following a fire at the 18th century mansion (listed grade II*). The ground floor rooms are intended to be returned to their original appearance as far as possible. The evaluation of the front hall demonstrated that the ceiling plaster survived as a layer immediately over the floor. Some survived in relatively good condition, including substantial pieces of decorated work, which suggested restoration of the ceilings would be possible. Further work was subsequently carried out by Wessex Archaeology.

Excavation by G Hayman of SCAU for English Heritage and Hall Aggregates Ltd in advance of mineral extraction, following on from evaluation in 1992. Evidence of extensive occupation activity dating from the Bronze Age to the end of the Roman period was recorded. Features included ditches, pits and postholes, indicating distinct or reused settlement areas - at least one of which could be described as an enclosure. It is possible that the site was more or less continuously occupied throughout the first millennium BC to the end of the 4th century AD.

A watching brief by J Robertson of SCAU for Barrelfield Golf Network was carried out during golf course construction. A walkover of stripped areas revealed three Iron Age pits and a variety of scattered finds (including struck flints of predominantly Late Bronze Age or later date, calcined flints, medieval/post-medieval pottery sherds and medieval/post-medieval roof tile) in the northern part of the site, which overlies Greensand, but only a couple of pieces of post-medieval pottery were recovered from the southern area of the site, which overlies Gault Clay.

Evaluation by G Pattison of SCAU for Devine Homes Ltd of a residential development site, formerly the grounds of Stag Leys and Devon Nook, found undisturbed stratigraphy but no features or finds of archaeological interest.