Surrey Archaeological Society

Evaluation by S Hammond of TVAS revealed a number of ditches and linear gullies of late post-medieval date, probably relating to the previous use of the site as allotments. A single small pit was found to contain a very small amount of charcoal and burnt bone and is probably of an earlier date, but no definite dating evidence was found to confirm this.

Evaluation by R Lambert of SCAU prior to residential redevelopment of a former playing field. A Mesolithic feature and a Bronze Age cremation represented the only earlier prehistoric activity on the site. However, a number of postholes and a large pit were dated to the Middle Iron Age and indicated an intensification of activity during this period. It was considered that these features may relate to a settlement of this date in the area – possibly in areas adjacent to the site developed for housing prior to PPG16 and therefore not investigated.

Evaluation by H Knight of MoLAS revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Evaluation by A Thorne of ASE prior to the construction of a reservoir revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Dendrochronology assessment by M Bridge of ODL, undertaken as part of an historic buildings assessment prior to conservation and redevelopment. Seven roof timbers were sampled and analysed, six of which cross-matched with two coming from the same tree. The resulting site master chronology suggested a likely felling date for the timbers as 1580–97, with the supposition being that the probable date of construction was towards the lower end of the sequence, probably in the early 1580s.

Evaluation by P Jones of SCAU prior to works to the car park undertaken as part of the Priory Park regeneration project revealed a substantial robbed wall foundation of uncertain date, together with a medieval feature.

Historic building recording and watching brief by P Copeland and I Froneman of CgMs prior to and during conversion works. The Town Hall is thought to have been constructed in 1708 on the site of an earlier chapel, although no evidence for this structure now visibly survives. Subsequent alterations to the interior have obscured much of the original fabric, little of which was revealed during the refurbishment. A written, drawn and photographic record of the structure was compiled, together with further observations made during alterations.

Watching brief by D Williams of SCAU during the excavation of service trenches associated with the Priory Park regeneration project. Stone-built foundations, which were probably the remains of a former wing of the house, were revealed. A somewhat larger foundation that may have once formed part of the original Augustinian priory buildings was revealed, although dating evidence was not found. Four inhumation burials were also uncovered. All the archaeological remains have been preserved in situ.

Watching brief by N Shaikhley of SCAU revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Evaluation by D Eddisford of AOC revealed no finds or features pre-dating the 19th century. Extensive evidence of horizontal truncation was noted across the site, probably as a result of sand extraction.