Surrey Archaeological Society

Continuation of evaluation and mitigation work by A Manning of WA during the construction of the A3 bypass. Mesolithic and Neolithic flintwork was identified at Hazel Grove Junction, and from peat deposits sampled at Boundless Copse, although the latter deposits were identified as Bronze Age in origin. Little evidence for Roman or Saxon activity was noted beyond the presence of a few Romano-British coins and pottery recovered near Thursley. Medieval features included field systems, hollow-ways and strip lynchets at Hammer Lane, Boundless Copse, Hazel Grove and Begley Farm.

Watching brief by N Marples and N Shaikhley of SCAU during tree stump removal did not reveal any finds or features of archaeological interest.

Evaluation by S Ford of TVAS prior to the construction of two new lakes. No features of archaeological interest were revealed. A small number of flint artefacts were recovered, unfortunately not closely datable but probably of Neolithic or Bronze Age date.

Watching brief by T Munnery of SCAU during the excavations for a water pipeline. No finds or features of archaeological interest were revealed. A metal detector survey carried out simultaneously along the pipeline route recovered fragments of metalwork associated with the site of a German Junkers 88 aircraft, which was shot down and crashed nearby in April 1941. The actual site of the crash was, however, some distance from the pipeline route.

Watching brief by T Collie of ASE during the alteration and extension of the church hall. Two brick vaults were uncovered, one of which when investigated was found to contain coffin fragments but no identifiable human remains. The other could only be examined cursorily owing to its proximity to the church structure, although it was noted to be filled with broken tombstone fragments, which were largely left in situ. A single articulated skeleton was also revealed, together with a quantity of disarticulated human bone across the development area.

Evaluation by C Clarke of AOC revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest on a site that had been very heavily horizontally truncated, probably in the mid-20th century.

Watching brief by A Monk of SyAS (undertaken in 2006 and since reported) during church extension and alteration works. Fragmentary evidence for the earlier medieval church was noted, although this was not extensive, and the rebuilding works of 1840–6 appear to have largely removed or buried the medieval building

Historic landscape survey by P Jones of SCAU, undertaken as part of the SCC/SyAS ASHLV assessment project. A number of features and potential areas of interest were recorded, including a possible Mesolithic flint-knapping scatter, a number of lime kilns and pond bays. Accompanying assessment of the tithe maps also provided place-name evidence for a number of potential kiln sites.

Watching brief by T Howe of SCC, on behalf of Surrey Police, following the discovery of human remains at the site during refurbishment works. The partial remains of two individuals were recovered. Although evidence for post-inhumation disturbance was clear as the remains were commingled within an obvious later feature, no firm dating evidence was noted. It was apparent, however, that the remains were of an archaeological nature rather than of interest to the police. It was thought that they may have been burials displaced during the construction of the property and reburied at the time.

Watching brief by D Platt of TVAS revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest.