Surrey Archaeological Society

Evaluation by M Dover of SCAU for Croudace Homes, of an area for residential development, revealed no features or find of archaeological interest, although the site appeared relatively undisturbed. (321)

A watching brief by M Saaler and J Matthews of the BSAG on works for a new extension to this building, which was originally part of the stable block of Caterham Court. Flint and mortar foundations and an earlier foundation trench were revealed, as well as a pebbled surface, all presumably relating to different phases of stable building. (303)

A watching brief by J Davison of CNHSS on the construction of a rear extension revealed no archaeological features, but a number of large blocks of chalk were seen - presumably relating to an earlier structure of some kind. One piece of medieval pottery and several sherds of probably 18th century red ware were recovered. In addition the presence of a quantity of iron slag and burnt shale and coal suggests iron working took place on the site at some point before the pub was built c 1880. The property was known as ‘The Smith’s Shop’ in 18th and 19th century documents.

A watching brief was maintained on the redevelopment of this former school site by R Poulton and S Hind of SCAU, for McCarthy & Stone Ltd. The site was found to have been extensively disturbed, probably during the construction of the school, and no features or finds of archaeological interest were recorded. (321)

Evaluation by J Robertson of SCAU, for Bellway Homes, of the former hospital site, in advance of redevelopment. The evaluation produced no features or finds of archaeological interest. (314)

Excavation by M Russell, for the BSAG, continued on the site of Bletchingley Place. A series of substantial greensand and brick foundations, robber trenches and deep post holes associated with the west range of the house built sometime before 1521 by Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, was identified; the features could not be securely dated, but a late 15th century date seems likely. In the early 16th century additions and alterations were made, entirely in brick, including the blocking of a large entrance in order to build a small room with a chimney.

A watching brief by M Saaler of BSAG on works for a new garage to the rear of this property revealed no archaeological features, but a range of pottery dating from the 14th century onwards was recovered.

A watching brief was carried out by N Hembrey of SCAU, for Mr Tunstall & Dr Butler, on service trenching at this cottage, which lies adjacent to Bletchingley Castle. No features or finds of archaeological interest were noted.

Fieldwalking by the BSAG of an area where cropmarks have been identified on aerial photos. Numerous pieces of worked flint were recovered, as well as some burnt flint. Apart from a couple of pieces of Roman pottery, the bulk of the pottery recovered was medieval (late 12th/early 13th) and post-medieval. A resistivity survey was also carried out, that confirmed the presence of a number of features.

A resistivity survey of the site of the probable Roman bath house was carried out by M Davies and C Hasler of SyAS and followed by the excavation of a number of trial pits. The work confirmed the presence of the bath house and that the 19th century plan of the building was rather simplified; no trace of further buildings were found.