Surrey Archaeological Society

Excavation by J McKinley of WA of a site on the High Street frontage, and of the former British Gas site, both as part of the Central Trading Estate redevelopment. Limited evidence of Bronze Age activity was observed at both sites, including flood defence measures and probable agricultural activity. The major phase of occupation was in the early Romano-British period, where domestic activity, including an in situ tessellated floor surface and associated wall lines indicative of a substantial structure, and small scale industrial activity was concentrated in the area of the High Street site.

Evaluation by J Robertson of SCAU in advance of a proposed new office development. A large degree of disturbance was noted, to some considerable depth. Archaeological features were observed at lower levels, including a brick floor - either a cellar or cess-pit. Safety concerns prohibited further investigation.

Evaluation by J Stevenson of SCAU prior to redevelopment of the site. A single prehistoric feature was revealed, suggestive of tree clearance. A watching brief subsequently conducted on the site by N Shaikhley of SCAU failed to find any additional finds or features of archaeological interest.

Geophysical Survey carried out by Matthew McMurray as part of a university project, in order to locate the Roman building which excavations nearby in 1986 had suggested may be present in the field. Faint traces of stone walls were identified, as well as a possible roundhouse, which may be associated with the building. The survey also revealed a possible field system. Resistivity work is planned for the area in mid – 2001.

Watching Brief carried out by T Howe of SCC on the site of a new cricket pavilion. No finds or features of archaeological interest were revealed.

Evaluation by R Poulton of SCAU in advance of office development indicated that any evidence of settlement prior to modern times is likely to have already been removed by recent disturbance. The thick layer of flooded deposits revealed suggests that the area may have been outside the gravel island which enabled the development of both the town and Abbey.

Evaluation by J Stevenson of SCAU prior to industrial redevelopment. Phase I trial trenching revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest. Phase II will take place early in 2001.

Watching brief carried out by M Dover of SCAU on stripping of area in advance of mineral extraction. Ditches, probably belonging to a field system, were traced in several locations. Pottery recovered was of later Bronze Age date, and in one area was of a sufficient quantity to suggest a settlement site in the near vicinity. Further work is planned.

Evaluation by M Dover of SCAU prior to commercial redevelopment. Much of the site was shown to have been terraced, although a single ditch of probable prehistoric date was revealed.

Evaluation by H Knight of MoLAS in advance of a new office development. No finds or features of archaeological interest were revealed by trial trenching, which showed that the site had been extensively quarried in the late 19th-early 20th centuries. However borehole testing elsewhere suggested that part of the site may still retain undisturbed soil horizons of possible archaeological significance.