Excavation by SHAHT, under the direction of G Cole, to the rear of 36-40 High Street. The earliest feature revealed was a wide flat-bottomed ditch which may have been one of the fish ponds known to have existed on the site from documentary records. Sherds of Coarse Border Ware vessels of 14th century date were recovered from the base of the ditch; from the middle of the 16th century the ditch was infilled by rubbish. To the north-west of the ditch was a flint cobbled surface; tothe south east of the ditch was evidence for a post-constructed building with a trampled sand and clay floor.

Fieldwalking by P Harp of the BHRG has recorded a quantity of flints, mostly of Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age date; the flints are mostly scrapers, awls and secondary flakes. Some Mesolithic flints have also been recovered, including a blunted-back microlith and a tranchet axe. (314

Watching brief by J D Matthews of BSAG, during the construction of an extension to the pub revealed no features or finds of archaeological interest.

Excavation by SHAHT, under the direction of G Cole, revealed evidence of prehistoric, medieval and later activity. Two phases of prehistoric activity were recorded. The first comprised the terminal ends of two ditches, one truncating the other, together with the lower levels of a rampart and a series of post-bases; and the second comprised flint foundations and associated stake holes. Fragmentary remains of two hearth bases were noted, and a well from which medieval pottery and hearth fragments were recovered was partially excavated.

Watching brief by P Harp of Plateau on the construction of houses adjacent to the Tumble Beacon. A pit containing alternate layers of burnt flint and ashy soil was recorded. No finds were associated with the feature, but it is thought to be Bronze Age in origin.

Fieldwalking and topsoil seiving by P Harp and Plateau has recovered a large number of worked flints of Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age date, some Bronze Age, Iron Age, Romano-British, and medieval pot, and a medieval knight finial fragment. (317, 319, 323, 324)

Investigation by G Cole of SHAHT as part of an ongoing training programme, revealed mainly post-medieval features associated with land drainage.

Continuing excavation and fieldwalking by Plateau recovered further finds of worked flint of Lower Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age date, while pottery dating to the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Romano-British, Saxon, medieval and post-medieval periods was also found. A large Neolithic or Bronze Age leaf-shaped arrowhead and a probable Bronze Age pendant were among the finds. Features on the site included a probable late Roman farmstead enclosure, and a Mesolithic tree-throw pit shelter with rubbish pit.