Surrey Archaeological Society

Evaluation by M Trevarthen of WA revealed a small group of pits containing Middle Bronze Age pottery, one example of which, a large bucket-shaped vessel, was found upright in a very small feature and might have been placed deliberately. Elsewhere, a small number of Romano-British period urned cremation burials were revealed, as well as some undated linear features. A second phase of evaluation by V Tsamis of WA revealed some narrow-gauge railway tracks probably relating to the former use of the site as a quarry, together with further undated ditches similar to those previously seen.

Evaluation by J Perry of SutAS revealed a single late post-medieval boundary ditch.

Two phase evaluation by T Munnery of SCAU, prior to the construction of a new building at the Upper School and extension to the existing Coach House. A single pit of probable 13th century date was discovered at the Coach House site. Two late medieval or early post-medieval pits were revealed at the Upper School site, with indications of earlier activity in the immediate vicinity being noted within the finds assemblage. The Coach House development was calculated not to damage archaeological horizons, so no further work was recommended.

Evaluation by M Dinwiddy of WA prior to the excavation of a lake. A single post-medieval ditch, aligned with the western edge of a tree-lined avenue thought to have been created in the 18th century and known from cartographic evidence, was encountered.

Watching brief by P Harp of Plateau during the excavations for a gas main. No finds or features of archaeological significance were revealed.

Evaluation by T Munnery of SCAU prior to alterations to the layout of the golf course. Two features of possible interest were revealed, although no material was recovered that could provide dating. No unstratified finds from within the topsoil and subsoil were noted, however, suggesting a lack of ancient activity on the site in general.

Further evaluation (SyAC 94, 365) by A Boucher of AI. Investigation of a palaeochannel identified in the first phase revealed deposits suitable for radiocarbon dating, providing dates between 1800 and 2000 BC. A rapid survey of the standing buildings on the site was also undertaken prior to their demolition.

Watching brief by P Harp of Plateau during the installation of a new water main recovered a small number of Mesolithic or Neolithic flints. Part of the route passed close to Dene Farm (now the Rambler’s Rest public house), where a significant quantity of 13th century pottery was revealed during reinstatement works. Place-name evidence records habitation at Dene Farm as far back as 1301

Soil-stripping, mapping and sampling by J Perry of SutAS did not reveal any features of archaeological interest, although a single sherd of Roman pottery was recovered, together with a small amount of late post-medieval material.

Watching brief by P Harp of Plateau during building works. A number of worked flints of Bronze Age date and a small quantity of Roman pottery were recovered.