Surrey Archaeological Society

A watching brief was maintained by M Dover of SCAU, for Thames Water Utilities, on works associated with the construction of a new pumping station at Grayswood. No features or finds of archaeological interest were noted.

Evaluation by R Poulton of SCAU, on behalf of the Strathmoor Group, of a site proposed for residential development. Three trial trenches were excavated and only one feature, which contained 19th/20th century material, was revealed. This shallow ditch is likely to represent a late field boundary, rather than the edge of the town plots. (321)

Standing building survey by G Pattison of SCAU, for SCC’s Highways and Transport Dept, in advance of strengthening works. (321)

Evaluation by G Hayman of SCAU of the first phase of this mineral site, for Pioneer Concrete Holdings PLC, revealed numerous archaeological features. The majority of these dated to the Iron Age; the presence of a number of ring gullies suggests that this was a settlement site, similar to those found nearby at Tongham Nurseries, excavated in 1993. This evaluation also revealed some Early Roman material.

Evaluation by J Robertson of SCAU, for BFI Ltd, of two areas permitted for mineral extraction, produced little of archaeological interest except for an area centred at SU 861 473. Here no features were revealed, but numerous finds of both prehistoric and Roman date were recovered. Analysis of the soils from which these finds were recovered indicates that they are essentially hillwash. This suggests occupation nearby, on higher ground, in both the prehistoric and Roman periods. Unfortunately, the area of higher ground adjacent has previously been quarried.

A watching brief by K D Graham of SyAS on an extension to this house, which lies in the vicinity of known Mesolithic finds. No finds were recovered during the watching brief, but one feature, a possible pit or gully was recorded.

Evaluation of this site by PCA, for Barratt Southern Counties, was carried out in advance of redevelopment. No features or finds of archaeological interest were recorded, suggesting that the site was agricultural land until modern times.

A rapid survey of the common was undertaken by I Dormor for SCC’s Planning Dept, as part of an ongoing project examining Areas of Historic Landscape Value. A survey of the group of barrows (SU 853 406) overlooking Frensham Great Pond was undertaken by the RCHME, for SyAS, in advance of restoration works - much of the damage to the barrows is thought to be the result of WWII activity. (310) Work by A & K D Graham of SyAS identified a number of other possible barrow sites around the Great Pond. (301)

A rapid survey of the park was undertaken by K D Graham of SyAS for SCC’s Planning Dept, as part of an ongoing project examining Areas of Historic Landscape Value. The park was originally a deer park for the Bishops of Winchester at Farnham Castle, and was created c.1376-7. It incorporates remains of ridge & furrow, which may predate its creation, and features associated with later industrial activity, namely a number of clay pits and at least one medieval kiln.