Surrey Archaeological Society

Archaeological recording by T Howe of SCC and A Norris of SyAS during drainage ditch clearance works. Two sections across a former watercourse shown on a 1701 estate map of Albury Park as ‘Henry Howards Watercourse’ were examined. The watercourse appears to have been constructed as part of the extensive water management improvements in the area, undertaken by Howard (later the 6th Duke of Norfolk) and diarist John Evelyn in the late 17th century. No evidence for the original date of the feature was found.

Fieldwalking by J English of SyAS in a field attached to the farm recovered 72 struck flints of possible Bronze Age date, three sherds of 13th century-type pottery and a thin scatter of post-medieval pottery and tile fragments. (376)

Monitoring of geotechnical investigations by R Poulton of SCAU to assess the level of truncation that had occurred across both sites revealed that they had both already been heavily disturbed.

Evaluation by G Hayman of SCAU prior to the construction of a house. No features of archaeological significance were revealed on the site, although a small quantity of medieval pottery and tile fragments, recovered from the subsoil, were suggestive of 13th–14th century occupation in the area.

Watching brief by M Nicholls of LPA, undertaken during the redevelopment of a site adjacent to a Roman villa excavated in previous years. Little of archaeological interest was revealed, with evidence for a palaeochannel suggesting that this may have formed a boundary to the focus of settlement activity in the past. Roman building material was found scattered sparsely across the site.

Evaluation by J Robertson of SCAU prior to redevelopment revealed three ditches of probable post-medieval/recent date, at least one of which appeared to be associated with woodland drainage. A posthole of indeterminate date was also recorded.

Evaluation by R Oram of TVAS prior to commercial redevelopment revealed a number of medieval pits, probably dating to the 12th–13th centuries, at a relatively shallow depth. Early post-medieval material was also recovered, although no evidence for structures having been present on the site was noted

Watching brief by R Poulton of SCAU during the construction of a new garage and additional external alterations. The deep and narrow garage foundations did not allow for detailed observations, but 19th century brick and pottery was evident. During excavations for repair to a boundary wall, a small section of chalk rubble and mortar walling was revealed. The limited area of exposure meant it was not possible to establish with confidence the orientation of the feature, although previous work in the area suggests it may be a structure related to the kitchens of the former palace.

Evaluation and watching brief by J Pine of TVAS on further areas of the proposed University of Surrey expansion site, following the previous evaluation and excavation works in 2002 and 2003. The evaluation produced evidence for Early to Middle Bronze Age activity, in the form of isolated pits. Medieval activity was also noted, in the form of pits, ditches and a possible hearth. Given their proximity to the nearby moated site of Manor Farm, it is assumed that they are associated with activity relating to this site, although the dating evidence was not clear.