Surrey Archaeological Society

Continuing excavation by G Hayman of SCAU in advance of mineral extraction. Two areas were excavated in 2005. The northern of the two areas lay immediately north of the area examined in 2004 that included a large number of ditches, waterholes and numerous small pits and postholes, producing substantial quantities of pottery and struck flint, of Middle Bronze Age date. This concentration of evidence did not extend far into the 2005 area. The features were almost exclusively of Bronze Age date.

Evaluation by K Bazley of AOC revealed a large linear feature of Roman date (thought to be a flood protection ditch), a post pit, posthole, pit and gully, possibly prehistoric and indicative of settlement activity. A medieval or early post-medieval gully, and evidence of substantial post-Victorian disturbance, including foundation remains of the Majestic Picture Theatre were also found. Further work is proposed.

Watching brief by C Menary of MoLAS revealed that the site straddled both the gravel island and the alluvial flood plain. A layer of alluvium containing residual Roman finds could relate to flooding of the Roman settlement in the 3rd century, and a deposit of post-medieval dumping dating to 1740–1800 was possibly an effort to raise the ground level in this period.

Monitoring by S Kemp of EA during topsoil removal for the creation of a works compound did not identify any archaeological finds or features.

Evaluation by N Hawkins of PCA in advance of the construction of a new film stage in the area around the existing ‘I’ stage building did not reveal any finds or features of archaeological interest. Monitoring was also undertaken during the excavation of pits for new foundation piers for the Eastern Workshops. K Sabel of PCA also undertook an historic building survey of Building 25, which was constructed in 1933 as part of the expansion of the British film industry that saw the development of twenty film studios in and around London.

Evaluation by T Collie of AOC on the supposed site of a former medieval moated manor. No structural evidence was revealed. However, the remains of the moat were discovered in the form of a large waterlogged ditch, with the earliest fills dating to the late medieval to early Tudor period. A subsequent watching brief undertaken during the removal of existing foundations failed to extend to archaeologically sensitive levels.

Watching brief by T Bradley of CgMs revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest, on a site that had been extensively disturbed by previous construction activity.

Evaluation by D Eddisford of AOC revealed evidence for medieval occupation and post-medieval dumping deposits surviving along the High Street, sealed beneath the footings of the modern structures. Truncation had removed deposits in areas away from the High Street frontage however. Subsequent excavation confirmed this, with the medieval features surviving along the street frontage including ditches, postholes and a pottery kiln. An area of Tudor stratigraphy also survived, which included brick structures and a metalled surface.

Evaluation by J Williams of AS revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Evaluation by S Gannon and C Cowan of MoLAS, and continuation of work that began in 2002. A number of late 19th century light industrial features were revealed, including a probable sawpit, and evidence of brick manufacturing. A possible former dock, consistent with the evidence contained on contemporary maps, was also located. A programme of building recording was carried out by A Upson in 2002–3 (but unreported at the time) on former military and civil boat-building structures of early to mid-20th century date.