Surrey Archaeological Society

Excavation by J Pine of TVAS following evaluation in 2004. The earliest features recorded were a series of 13th–14th century pits containing an array of domestic rubbish. There appeared to be a hiatus in activity following this, with little further activity noted until a 17th century soil/rubbish horizon was revealed. Pitting then continued into the 18th and 19th centuries in a sequence of fairly typical urban backlands activity. A subsequent watching brief was undertaken during the underpinning of a boundary wall.

Evaluation by P Copeland of McCurdy & Co prior to redevelopment within the Scheduled area of Guildford Castle. Evidence for extensive post-medieval modification was revealed, although only residual medieval pottery indicated earlier activity, in an investigation that ceased at the formation levels of the proposed development. It was thought likely that earlier remains lay deeper in the sequence, but these were not revealed.

Evaluation in two phases by W Bedford of OA prior to commercial redevelopment. No finds or features of archaeological interest were revealed in phase 1 investigations. Phase 2 works have yet to be undertaken

Observations during building work by T Howe of SCC. Removal of part of the ground floor revealed the remains of what appeared to be a brick-built 18th century cellar, extending from the street frontage where an entrance was noted. The remains were preserved in situ, sealed beneath a replacement floor surface.

Investigative test pitting by C Currie of CKCA to obtain information about the construction of the lock behind the early 20th century concrete facing, in advance of restoration works by the NT. Documentary evidence suggested the concrete facing covered a timber structure, although it was thought that the record was incomplete and the sides of the lock were actually of brick. The test pits revealed substantial timber braces and no evidence for brick remains, indicating that the documentary sources were indeed correct.

Watching brief by C Clarke of AOC during stripping works for the construction of a noise abatement screen alongside the A3. Two small pits containing pottery and charcoal, probably of Bronze Age date, were revealed.

Training and community excavation led by H Sheldon of BC and J Cotton of EEHAS/Museum of London, on an area of higher ground overlooking the Roman settlement of Ewell and Stane Street and where traces of Roman activity were located in the 1970s. The evaluation revealed natural features of geological interest and a substantial number of features and finds of Roman date, together with traces of later agricultural and horticultural activity.

Monitoring of groundworks by J Stevenson of ASE revealed that the site had been almost entirely truncated by groundworks from modern building and service works.

Report by A Hall in SyAC 94, 225–249

Report by A Hall in SyAC 94, 225–249