Surrey Archaeological Society

Archaeological Survey of Nonsuch Park, carried out by the RCHME in three phases between 1993 and 1995. The first phase of the project in October 1993 comprised an aerial photographic transcription of the whole Park at 1:2500 scale; the second, an earthwork survey in April 1994 at 1:10000 scale of the site of the Henrician Palace, its garden and the outlying Banqueting House; and the third, in February 1995, a survey of the remainder of the present-day Park at 1:2500.

Evaluation and excavation by G Hayman of SCAU for Cala Homes (Southern) Ltd of a site within what was the Little Park of Nonsuch Palace. Documentary evidence suggested that the site might contain evidence for clay extraction, but no evidence for this was recovered. A small number of prehistoric features were recorded, most of which appear to be Middle Iron Age in date, but which may include features of the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. Finds included fragments of two rotary quern stones.

A watching brief by D Brooks for Bourne Hall Museum, on the digging of a grave, recovered Roman pottery, most of which was Alice Holt coarseware. Part of a probable wine strainer, imported from the continent, was also recovered. (303)

Excavation by G Hayman of SCAU for Fleetwood Developments Ltd, in advance of redevelopment, identified a number of features of Roman date including a large 1st-2nd century pit and a probable well of 3rd-4th century date. The quantity of Roman brick and tile recovered indicates a substantial building in the vicinity. The Roman features cut into a subsoil containing Bronze Age flints. Post-medieval features included a large pit, presumed to have been a well. (see report in SyAC 95, 281-295)

Excavation of a red brick cup-and-dome icehouse, below a mound at the north-east end of a long canal in the grounds of the convent, by the NAS [now EEHAS]. Only modern finds were recovered, but the design of the icehouse appears to be of early 18th century date. The icehouse formerly lay within The Elms estate, which was visited and described by Celia Fiennes during her travels in Surrey between 1708 and 1712. (291)

Evaluation by G Hayman of SCAU for Dwellcourt Ltd. as part of an application for the construction of a golf course. A pit containing Iron Age material was recorded in the 1940s, and presumed to relate to a contemporary settlement, but no evidence for this was located during the evaluation. A few pieces of burnt flint were recovered, but the only feature found was a modern pit.

Evaluation and watching brief by J Robertson of SCAU for Bryant Homes Southern Ltd found no features or finds of archaeological interest.

A watching brief by S Dyer of SCAU for the North West Surrey Drainage Partnership, on the construction of a surface water sewer associated with the Wates development, recorded an undisturbed soil profile but no features or finds of archaeological interest.

A watching brief by D Hawkins of Lawson Price Environmental for Octagon Developments Ltd, on redevelopment, found that modern disturbance overlay natural alluvium.

Evaluation by B Langton of the Cotswold Archaeological Trust for Wates Built Homes Ltd recorded a scatter of mainly Neolithic flints and a number of features of Bronze Age date on this former racecourse adjacent to the Thames. More detailed excavation of the site was subsequently undertaken by P Andrews for Wessex Archaeology, which identified multi-period activity on an area of higher land.