Small-scale excavation by R J Poulton for SCC and /Guildford Borough Council in advance of floodlighting by the keep. No features were noted but Medieval pottery was the first to be recovered from the mound.
Scatter of I3th/14th century pottery and roof tile found in field walking by P M G Jones. A second similar concentration, with blocks of Bargate stone, was located some 80m to the south-east at SU 946 495. (226)
Scatter of 13th/14th century pottery and roof tile found in field walking by P M G Jones. Also noted
Were a large area of calcined flints centred SU 912 510 and a large mound with brick debris at SU 911 512. These may be associated with post-medieval brick and tile production. (226)
Observation of building work by N P Barker and D G Bird for SCC revealed that this building was originally a hall house probably of the 15th century. The remains of an open hearth were noted: a few tiles set on edge in yellow clay, burnt red in places and set on a rough stone base.
Excavation by R J Poulton for SCC (and County Engineer), in conjunction with dismantling of 16th century building for the Weald & Downland Museum, revealed shallow foundations for the timber building with levelling to accommodate the slope of the hill. Only 16th century pottery was found in the floor levels. A layer of 12th century pottery was found at the northern end of the site, apparently relating to occupation on the High Street frontage. (246)
Excavation by R J Poulton for SCC, Kent Developments, WAAC and Waverley BC in advance of redevelopment located evidence for the town ditch. It was 8.5m wide and 2.4m deep and the upper levels had been lost by levelling which had also removed any medieval occupation evidence from the site. Dating evidence suggested that the ditch was dug soon after AD 1200 and had already been infilled by the mid 13th century.
Excavation by R J Poulton for SCC, Hepworth Minerals & Chemicals and HBMC in advance of sand quarrying involved the stripping of almost lha. A scatter of mid Saxon pottery was found, but no features. cAD 1200 a hall house with circular tile-on-edge hearth and associated timber buildings was constructed. In the early 14th century the hall was replaced by a large stone-built structure with angle buttresses. This building continued to stand but a new hall with two-storied wings (one with a cellar) was built c1400, and linked to a square kitchen.
Observation of grave digging in the northern extension of the churchyard reported by Lesley Ketteringham. 13th-14th century pottery and daub was found, presumably from the village of Walcnested, forerunner of Godstone. (241)
Excavation by G H Cole for SHAHT and Surrey Heath BC in advance of redevelopment. Waterlogged remains of a timber building provisionally dated to 1300-1350 were found, cut by a fence line and then by a massive post-built structure dated to the early 16th century. This was followed by the artificial raising of the land and the construction of a stone building of c1550-1640 dated by pottery, glass, etc thought to indicate a drinking house. The site was then unoccupied until the mid-late 18th century when the cottages recently demolished were constructed.
Geophysical survey by R J Poulton and S P Dyer followed by excavation by P M G Jones for SCC (and County Valuer and Estates Surveyor) to attempt to establish the date and degree of survival of the enclosure known from aerial photography. Results were inconclusive but the enclosure seems to be medieval. Evidence for BA occupation in the area marked out by the later enclosure was noted. Further work is planned.