Surrey Archaeological Society

Ground penetrating radar survey by W McCann, following a dowsing exercise by S Fortescue. The original work had postulated a Saxon church below the nave of the existing structure. The survey identified high reflections in areas corresponding in part with the north and south walls of the supposed buried structure, but concluded that further investigative work would be required to confirm any hypotheses. (351, 352)

Evaluation by J Robertson of SCAU in advance of residential redevelopment revealed no finds or features of interest.

Watching brief carried out by J Stevenson of SCAU revealed undated, probably modern, burials and loose human bone in the graveyard, together with a 19th century brick tomb. Parts of a foundation were observed; these were apparently associated with the tower, but contained some elements that were difficult to interpret.

Report by A Harris of CgMs documenting analysis of the timber-framed building during alteration, determined that it was formerly an open hall house of probable 15th century date. The building recording followed on from evaluation of the tannery site by CgMs in 1998, and was the final stage of the archaeological work in relation to its redevelopment.

Watching brief by J Robertson of SCAU on the excavation of a new bypass channel. No archaeological features of interest were revealed, although a number of hand-made bricks and a large piece of 19th century concrete were recovered.

Watching brief by T Howe of SCC on drainage works. No features of archaeological interest were noted, but three worked blocks removed from a relatively modern rubble layer appeared to be window arch voussoirs, probably remnants of the original east window replaced in 1887.

Evaluation by M Dover of SCAU prior to redevelopment. No finds or features of archaeological interest were revealed and extensive modern disturbance was noted.

Ground penetrating radar survey and test pit evaluation by R Poulton of SCAU carried out in advance of remedial works to the 12th century keep. The results of the survey suggested that fragmented wall foundations might lie beneath the top of the motte, and that the keep had been constructed by cutting away the motte. This effectively created a foundation trench at a distance of 2--4m from the keep walls. The test pits confirmed the latter, but did not impact on areas where the foundations were suggested to lie.

Watching brief by D Hart of AOC during the construction of an access ramp. An undated pit was revealed cut directly into the bedrock chalk. This was sealed by the foundations and remains of a section of the wall of the Castle’s Great Hall. The wall was seen to be 2m wide, and constructed from ragstone and chalk. An internal partition wall was also recorded, together with the remains of internal floors.

Evaluation by J Pine of TVAS prior to an application for redevelopment. Trenching revealed archaeological evidence relating to important medieval structural remains surviving at great depth in the parts of the site closest to the High Street. These remains included walls and foundations, floors, stakeholes and pits, relating to buildings of differing phases of construction and occupation. Trenches further back towards North Street contained post-medieval remains indicative of backlands activity, as well as some later structural elements.