Surrey Archaeological Society

Continuation of the watching brief begun in 2006 by S Ford of TVAS during redevelopment works. Little of archaeological interest was revealed, although peat deposits were unexpectedly encountered on part of the site. Analysis of pollens from this material suggested a changing landscape, with heathland species predominating in the early part of the sequence, followed by an increase in alder carr and grassy species later on.

Evaluation by S Cass of TVAS revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Watching brief by C Clarke of AOC during engineering investigations inside and outside the building revealed made-ground from the construction of the church in 1913, but no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Evaluation by S Ford of TVAS revealed two diffuse charcoal-rich patches, one of which included some burnt flint. Both patches are considered to be the product of a burning activity such as scrub clearance.

Evaluation by P Jones of SCAU prior to an extension to the hotel. Roman structural evidence had previously been recorded on the site during archaeological observations in 1982. No repetition of this evidence was noted, although a fluvial clay was recorded at the base of the sequence, which apparently corresponded to a layer previously observed. This was overlain by a pebbly soil of medieval date with post-medieval rubble layers above, suggesting that some horizontal truncation of parts of the site had occurred

Evaluation by T Collie of ASE with one trench revealing three apparent ditch termini, two of which contained fragmentary Iron Age/Early Roman pottery. Extension of the area revealed two additional gullies, neither of which provided any dating evidence. A second phase of evaluation is planned.

Evaluation by A Cetera of MoLAS, as part of an ongoing programme of site investigations undertaken prior to and during redevelopment. Only a single trench was investigated in this instance with no finds or features of archaeological significance being revealed.

Evaluation by R Poulton of SCAU prior to building works located within the Scheduled area of the former Chertsey Abbey. Wall foundations probably relating to the Frater and Dorter ranges of the former abbey were revealed, although of principal note was the large extent of post-medieval disturbance revealed, indicating that significant damage to the medieval structures had taken place during the post-Dissolution period.

Geophysical survey and assessment by R Poulton of SCAU and A Bartlett of Bartlett-Clark Consultancy. Topographic survey, coupled with resistivity, magnetometry and ground-penetrating radar sweeps of the site of the former Chertsey Beomonds manor were undertaken. The area most likely to contain the remains of the manor house provided disappointing results from all the techniques used, with little evidence for structural remains discerned.

Evaluation by P Jones of SCAU revealed a considerable layer of post-medieval made-ground, with some residual medieval pottery also present. However, no excavation was undertaken through this deposit.