Surrey Archaeological Society

Monitoring of geotechnical investigations by G Swindle and C Green of ArchaeoScape in advance of residential redevelopment revealed extensive evidence of disturbance and/or contamination associated with the recent industrial use of this part of the Ait

Archaeological observation and recording carried out by N Shaikhley of SCAU following site levelling and the excavation of a foundation trench and two test pits, revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest. This is most likely due to the redeposited 19th century made-ground that was evident over the majority of the site. This may mask archaeological material or the deposition of the made-ground might have removed any archaeological material.

Watching brief by R King of FA on an area where redevelopment was already under way revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest

Evaluation by P Beasley of AOC in advance of redevelopment revealed no features or finds of archaeological interest.

Evaluation by J Robertson of SCAU revealed footings and drains of a Victorian or Edwardian house that once existed on the site, but no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Evaluation by G Hayman of SCAU revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Excavation by D Bird of SCC in the garden of Vine Cottage to test the results of geophysical survey undertaken by A and D Graham of SyAS and locate a buried stone wall reportedly found in 1832; this was thought possibly to be the chapel mentioned in medieval documents, associated with Sutton manor. A recorded anomaly was found to be a recent garden path and no medieval finds were made. This accords with the results of the excavations of 1978–86, in that there is very little evidence to suggest medieval activity near Vine Cottage (381)

Building recording and updated interpretation by G Potter of CA summarising the development and main features of the Deep Litter Shed at West Haxted Farm.

Excavation by S Smith as part of research for a television documentary series entitled ‘Tywysogion’ on the Welsh princes c 900–1420. Documentary research indicated that Tatsfield was in the possession of Rhodri ap Gruffudd – brother of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (Prince of Wales until his death in 1282) – and his descendants during the 14th century. The work consisted of the excavation of a number of test pits on possible earthworks, identified from aerial photograph and field survey observations, suggested as the remains of the medieval manor house of Tatsfield.

Archaeological assessment by N Bannister for the Woodlands Trust revealed that wood banks are the predominant archaeological feature. These are likely to be at least medieval and probably date from when the woods were enclosed to prevent stock grazing. The woods were once much larger, and reduced earthworks on the western side suggests that subsequent fields or assarts were created by clearing areas of the woodland. Ditches of 19th century date, dug to aid drainage in the woods, and evidence of Second World War military activity in the form of slit trenches, were also discovered.