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.

Further evaluation by J Perry of SutAS of this site in advance of residential redevelopment

Fieldwalking by M Saaler revealed medieval pottery and roof tile, post-medieval pottery, and First World War munitions.

Monitoring by J Perry of SutAS during stripping of the site in advance of residential redevelopment revealed only modern truncation.

Archaeological interpretative survey by D Martin of ASE of the cottage prior to alteration identified that all that remained of the probable original structure was the chimney stack. If re-used timbers within the first floor ceilings are an indicator, then the original date of the structure is unlikely to have been earlier than c 1700. During the second half of the 18th century, the earlier cottage was demolished apart from its chimney, and replaced by the current structure.

Evaluation by R Poulton of SCAU in advance of residential redevelopment revealed some evidence relating to the use of the site for agricultural activities in the 18th and 19th centuries, but no evidence of activity associated with the moated site of Burstow Manor.

Watching brief and historic recording by R Poulton of SCAU and M Higgins of SCC during refurbishment and the construction of an extension to the cottage showed that the building formed the two central bays of a medieval open hall house, dated provisionally to between 1450 and 1520. The building retains evidence for storied ends but both have been lost.

Evaluation by J Robertson of SCAU revealed only a redeposited struck flint flake. A road is illustrated on Rocque’s map of 1768 possibly crossing the site, but neither this nor any other features of archaeological interest were revealed.

Evaluation by G Hayman of SCAU revealed no finds or features of archaeological interest. No material similar to or associated with the stamped Roman brick found here c 1930 was present.