Surrey Archaeological Society

Excavation by R Poulton of SCAU, for SCC, of an area proposed for residential development, previously evaluated in 1994 and 1997. The first phase of activity on the site was early to mid 2nd century when a number of human cremations were buried in shallow scoops. In the same period a large boundary ditch was excavated and it is possible that a post-built structure is also of this date. In the late 2nd - 3rd centuries, a large stone-built structure was constructed.

Evaluation by T Howe of AOC, for Normandy Parish Council, in advance of a leisure development. Forty-six trenches were excavated but few of these produced any archaeological remains. The majority of features encountered were drainage ditches, the earliest being of early post-medieval date.

Excavation, watching brief, and historic building recording programme, by Charlotte Matthews of Wessex, on behalf of Scottish Widows Fund and Life Assurance Company, prior to redevelopment. Features dating from the 12th to 18th/19th centuries were revealed, although nothing from the late medieval to early post medieval was found. Virtually no structural remains survived; it is likely that prior to the 18th century the area investigated lay in yard areas to the rear of the street frontage buildings.

Watching brief by R Poulton of SCAU, for Alfred McAlpine Special Projects, on the site of a former multi-storey car park. Most material of archaeological interest had been removed in the 20th century, but a small number of pits, interpreted as localised chalk quarries of possible 12th-13th century date, were revealed.

Watching brief by R Davis of Wessex, on behalf of Scottish Widows Fund and Life Assurance Society, on the site of an office reconstruction. A post-medieval well was identified, together with three possible backfilled post-medieval wells or deep pits.

A watching brief was maintained by M Dover of SCAU, for Guardian Properties Ltd, on the excavation of a number of foundation bases. Differences in the levels of the natural chalk encountered were interpreted as possible quarrying activity or intercutting pitting, with a probable 17th or 18th century infilling episode above. No earlier features were recorded.

Watching brief carried out by N Marples and R Poulton of SCAU, for Lampard & Partners, during redevelopment. Much of the site was found to have been damaged or disturbed by modern building works, but two features of possible interest were observed. One was a length of chalk walling forming part of a basement, the other a pit; both are likely to be post-medieval in date.

Excavation and a subsequent watching brief by J Robertson of SCAU, for Boots Properties PLC, as part of the construction of a new extension on this site. The earliest features identified on the site were a series of pits filled with late 12th or early 13th century debris, presumably relating to buildings fronting the High Street. In the late 13th or 14th century, buildings were constructed along the then much narrower alley (now known as Swan Lane). The substantial chalk foundations revealed suggest these buildings were well built and of at least two-storeys.

Evaluation by S Foreman of OAU, for Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners, on land to be redeveloped as offices. A large degree of truncation was noted across the site, probably related to the construction of the brewery buildings formerly on this site. A single pit containing 12th century pottery was revealed at a low level.

Watching brief by N Shaikhley of SCAU, for Green Property Ltd, revealed no significant finds or features.