Watching brief by T Howe of SCC on drainage works. No features of archaeological interest were noted, but three worked blocks removed from a relatively modern rubble layer appeared to be window arch voussoirs, probably remnants of the original east window replaced in 1887.

Evaluation by M Dover of SCAU prior to redevelopment. No finds or features of archaeological interest were revealed and extensive modern disturbance was noted.

Ground penetrating radar survey and test pit evaluation by R Poulton of SCAU carried out in advance of remedial works to the 12th century keep. The results of the survey suggested that fragmented wall foundations might lie beneath the top of the motte, and that the keep had been constructed by cutting away the motte. This effectively created a foundation trench at a distance of 2--4m from the keep walls. The test pits confirmed the latter, but did not impact on areas where the foundations were suggested to lie.

Watching brief by D Hart of AOC during the construction of an access ramp. An undated pit was revealed cut directly into the bedrock chalk. This was sealed by the foundations and remains of a section of the wall of the Castle’s Great Hall. The wall was seen to be 2m wide, and constructed from ragstone and chalk. An internal partition wall was also recorded, together with the remains of internal floors.

Evaluation by J Pine of TVAS prior to an application for redevelopment. Trenching revealed archaeological evidence relating to important medieval structural remains surviving at great depth in the parts of the site closest to the High Street. These remains included walls and foundations, floors, stakeholes and pits, relating to buildings of differing phases of construction and occupation. Trenches further back towards North Street contained post-medieval remains indicative of backlands activity, as well as some later structural elements.

Reports received from Guildford Museum of fieldwork undertaken by the GMEU in previous years: 8 High Street, Guildford A watching brief during alterations led to recording of 18th century building foundations; a sherd of 12th or 13th century pottery was recovered during piling. 44 High Street, Guildford A watching brief undertaking recorded elements of the 17th century timber frame exposed during alterations to the building; these features were subsequently recorded by members of the DBRG. 46 High Street, Guildford

Watching brief by C Currie of CKCA during the excavation of test pits behind the lock chamber walls, found no evidence that the concrete sides acted as a facing for earlier brick sides. Substantial horizontal timbers were found behind the concrete suggesting that these were part of a bracing structure to help support an earlier timber revetment. These also show that lining of the lock chambers was converted from timber to concrete at this site, without any intervening brick stage as previous documentary research had suggested.

Evaluation by A Stephenson of AOC prior to the construction of a groundkeeper’s building. No features of archaeological interest were revealed, although a number of probable Bronze Age worked flints were recovered. Owing to the close proximity of the Scheduled Ancient Monument of Frowsbury Mound bowl barrow, a watching brief will be undertaken in early 2002 on the further excavations for the building.

Landscape assessment by N Bannister, and volunteers from SyAS, for the Woodlands Trust, involving the recording of features identified from maps and documents, as well as previously unknown earthworks. The most frequent features recorded were banks and ditches associated with former land divisions. The lack of features relating to woodland management such as charcoal hearths, saw pits, timber extraction routes, is typical of a Post-Medieval wood in this area located on former farmland.

Watching brief by J Stevenson of SCAU during the construction of facilities for the disabled revealed 19th century brick vaults, together with the foundations of the 15th century tower. A curious flint and greensand “spur” was found to have been built into the foundations. This did not support any known or previously demolished feature, and there is no satisfactory explanation for its function.