Surrey Archaeological Society

A watching brief was maintained by G Hayman and M Dover of SCAU on works for a new store building within the area of Oatlands Palace, for the Girl Guides Association. Within the new foundation trenches the remains of a culvert associated with the infilling of the moat during Henry VIII’s reign was identified. A second feature expected, a wall identified during earlier excavation, was not seen.

Recording by C Currie of CKCA, of remains of a building revealed during fallen tree clearance. From map evidence, this would appear to be the northern half of the building known as Pigeon House Cottage.

Evaluation by C Greatorex of ASE on part of the former Brookwood Hospital site in advance of residential development. The area had been considerably disturbed by 20th century construction, and no finds or features of archaeological interest were revealed.

Watching brief carried out by E Whitbourn of SyAS, on the foundation trenches of a new extension. No finds or features of archaeological interest were present.

Watching brief carried out by E Whitbourn of SyAS during redevelopment did not reveal any finds or features of archaeological interest.

Contour survey by D Graham of SyAS, on a field adjacent to the Scheduled site of St. Mary’s Church. A number of possible quarry pits were noted, together with an area which may have been levelled. However, no conclusive evidence of settlement was seen.

Metal detector and walkover survey directed by D Graham of SyAS, following tree felling and ground scraping by Surrey Wildlife Trust. A small quantity of flintwork was found, including a Neolithic oblique arrowhead, and a small amount of probable prehistoric pottery. Metal detecting produced the blade of a bronze axe, probably the broken tip of a palstave axe. (339)

Topographic survey of the hillfort by D and A Graham of SyAS as part of the Area of Special Historic Landscape Value Project. Extensive survey work is ongoing in this area, due to be reported in early-mid 2001. (Bulletin 346)

Watching brief carried out by E Whitbourn of SyAS during work on improving the churchyard path, and resoration work on the lych gate and coffin rest. Work on the footpath revealed three brick tombs, and one tomb was opened to reveal two 18th coffins. (344)

Evaluation by J Robertson of SCAU on the site of a new residential block at the hotel illustrated that the area had been disturbed by modern rubbish disposal.