Surrey Archaeological Society

A watching brief by J Stevenson of SCAU was maintained on the redevelopment of this site for Cooper Estates Ltd. The watching brief was not commissioned until the groundworks were well advanced. In the limited number of foundation trenches still open two Greensand walls were observed, which probably relate to a building of 13th or 14th century date; these are very probably walls identified in the 1988/9 excavation.

A watching brief by SCAU, for Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, on the excavation of geotechnical test pits on the site of a proposed extension found one showing possible archaeological stratigraphy. A subsequent watching brief by D W Williams on the excavation of further test pits recorded what may be the line of the castle moat. A wide and shallow ditch is suggested, the silt of which contained 13th century pottery. To the east of this, traces of a 13th century plough soil were recorded. (321)

A building survey was carried out by G Pattison and N Shaikhley of SCAU for SCC’s Resources Dept, after the removal of external rendering revealed a number of different phases; two elevations were recorded. The present Priory building lies on the site of Reigate Priory, founded in 1235 and dissolved in 1535, but the earliest structural work recorded was late 17th century. (314)

A watching brief was maintained by G Beresford, for Priestmere Properties, on the redevelopment of this site within the bailey of Reigate Castle, following an evaluation in 1994. The construction of the new building on piles meant that ground disturbance was limited, but evidence for a medieval rubble layer was recorded. Observation of works for a new access drive revealed a spur to the moat that is shown on 19th century maps. This feature was sealed below the bank adjoining the existing moat, demonstrating that at this point at least the bank is modern.

Evaluation of land to the rear of these properties, in advance of landscaping, was carried out by J Stevenson of SCAU for Giles Contracts Management. A post-medieval make up layer was found to overlie natural sand. (321)

A watching brief by D W Williams of work to this property, which cuts into the slope below the castle. Subsidence resulted in the destruction of a 19th century brick baking oven and a stone and brick revetment, before recording could take place, as well as the rear wall of this 16th-17th century building. Subsequent observation revealed a buried soil layer, which contained early Mesolithic flint blades and 13th century pottery, that had been disturbed by excavation, presumably for sand, at some point in the 13th century.

Evaluation by N Shaikhley of SCAU, for Mr Westwood, partly within the standing building, which is 16th century, in advance of building works. One trench to the rear of the building revealed a pit containing medieval pottery; within the building a rammed chalk floor, presumed to relate to the original occupation of the building, was revealed. A subsequent watching brief recorded little of archaeological interest. (314)

A survey of the barrow was carried out by K Pringle for BHRG and SyAS. Examination of the section revealed by the removal of a retaining wall constructed c.1924 revealed no evidence for turf lines. A number of struck flints were recovered from the backfill of the retaining wall and one flake was recovered during the cleaning of the section. Further examination of the barrow revealed that a substantial air raid shelter had been constructed within it. (320)

Fieldwalking by P Harp of the BHRG has recorded a quantity of flints, mostly of Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age date; the flints are mostly scrapers, awls and secondary flakes. Some Mesolithic flints have also been recovered, including a blunted-back microlith and a tranchet axe. (314