Excavation by J English of SyAS as part of an ongoing landscape survey. Plough marks were noted, but thought to be a result of Second World War activities despite small amounts of prehistoric and Romano-British pottery being recovered. Further trenches recovered larger quantities of pottery, and noted two postholes (not excavated) suggestive of a Romano-British settlement in the vicinity. (354)

Watching brief by N Shaikhley of SCAU during the excavation of the foundation trenches for a new building revealed only a 19th century brick foundation wall and some late 19th or early 20th century stoneware jars.

Evaluation by S Anthony of TVAS in advance of residential redevelopment revealed only modern features, a few scattered struck flints of Neolithic or Bronze Age date, and a tiny piece of abraded, unidentifiable pottery.

Evaluation by J Nowell of WA in advance of residential development revealed only a residual barbed-and-tanged arrowhead of Early Bronze Age date, and a series of 20th century postholes probably associated with the former racecourse. No evidence was found of the neighbouring multi-period occupation site at Hurst Park West excavated by WA in 1994. Evidence of past flooding was recorded through identification of alluvial clays and silts, and as the site lies 1.25m below Hurst Park West, it would have been much more prone to flooding and consequently less attractive for occupation and settlement.

Watching brief by N Shaikhley of SCAU of a stretch of pipe laying revealed that much of the route had been heavily disturbed by 19th or early 20th century activities.

Evaluation by P Treveil of MoLAS involving the excavation of three trenches revealed only modern features and natural deposits. Peat identified by earlier geotechnical work contained brick, and represents modern or redeposited deposits.

Site visit by D Hawkins of CgMs revealed that no topsoil or buried soil appeared to be present and that the site had already been truncated down to the level of the natural clay. No cultural material predating the 20th century was revealed.

Watching brief by N Shaikhley of SCAU and members of the WCMS on a network of caves identified on the site during work last year. The caves are believed to have been created in the 17th or 18th centuries, at a similar time to others present along the High Street and South Street. Their primary function appear to be as a source of high quality sand, although their subsequent uses appear to have been varied, including modification to use as a World War II air raid shelter.

Watching brief by J Stevenson of ASE carried out during groundworks associated with the development of a new sports buildings and pitch revealed the site of a probable Second World War air raid shelter, and identified some dressed chalk blocks re-used as foundations in the site’s western boundary wall.

Excavation by members of SyAS and the North East Hampshire Archaeological Society to investigate the nature of a linear soil mark identified on a 1948 aerial photograph. Two sections were excavated of what has been interpreted as a World War II anti-tank ditch. (359, 360)