A watching brief was maintained by G Beresford, for Priestmere Properties, on the redevelopment of this site within the bailey of Reigate Castle, following an evaluation in 1994. The construction of the new building on piles meant that ground disturbance was limited, but evidence for a medieval rubble layer was recorded. Observation of works for a new access drive revealed a spur to the moat that is shown on 19th century maps. This feature was sealed below the bank adjoining the existing moat, demonstrating that at this point at least the bank is modern.

A watching brief by D W Williams of work to this property, which cuts into the slope below the castle. Subsidence resulted in the destruction of a 19th century brick baking oven and a stone and brick revetment, before recording could take place, as well as the rear wall of this 16th-17th century building. Subsequent observation revealed a buried soil layer, which contained early Mesolithic flint blades and 13th century pottery, that had been disturbed by excavation, presumably for sand, at some point in the 13th century.

Evaluation by N Shaikhley of SCAU, for Mr Westwood, partly within the standing building, which is 16th century, in advance of building works. One trench to the rear of the building revealed a pit containing medieval pottery; within the building a rammed chalk floor, presumed to relate to the original occupation of the building, was revealed. A subsequent watching brief recorded little of archaeological interest. (314)

Evaluation and excavation by J Saunders of TVAS, for Linden Homes, of land to be residentially developed. A number of prehistoric flints were recovered, but the earliest features recorded date to the 1st - mid 2nd centuries AD and probably represent part of a field system. Also present was a pit containing mid-late 2nd century pottery, most of which was typical of a low status rural settlement. Two post-hole sized features, probably both Roman, contained cremated bone, analysis of which suggests they were sheep/goat.

Evaluation by J Robertson of SCAU for SCC’s Property Services Dept, of land to the north east of a known Anglo-Saxon cemetery, produced no evidence for burials. A few features, mainly ditches and gullies, were recorded, only one of which produced dating evidence - a sherd of late 12th/early 13th pottery. A number of stray finds were also recovered, including a sherd of Bronze Age pottery, pieces of struck and burnt flint and a sherd of Late Saxon pottery.

Historic landscape survey by C Currie of these estates, for the National Trust. Early references mention a number of ‘hatches’ or gates, where tracks left the farmland to enter the common. These ‘hatches’ are likely to be Saxon, if not earlier, and adjoining them are equally ancient farm sites, all but one of which still survive. The Polesden family and estate are first mentioned in documents of the late 12th century. The suffix ‘Lacey’ is first mentioned in 1562, but it did not become commonly used until the 18th or even 19th centuries; previously the estate was known as High Polesden.

Excavation of this redevelopment site within the historic centre of Dorking, for Fairclough Homes, by J Pine of TVAS continued in 1996. A number of medieval pits, post-holes and gullies and a late medieval well were recorded. The pottery from these features has been dated to the 12th/13th century. A few features of Roman date were also recorded. (301) see report in SyAC 90, 261-271

Hedgerow dating by H Davies of SyAS suggests that the hedgerow on the north side of the lane dates to the 12th century. The hedgerow to the south is likely to be of a similar age, but has been affected by modern development. (316)

Evaluation of the site, as part of an application for redevelopment, was carried out by J Robertson of SCAU, for the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton. The area was found to have been extensively levelled during the construction of the school; no features were found sealed below the dumped material, but it contained a number of finds including struck and burnt flint as well as medieval and post-medieval material. Despite the proximity of the Broad Street villa, no finds of Roman date were recovered. (321)

Analysis of the recent survey of the Manor House by the DBRG suggests that it might be the remains of a hunting lodge built for Edward IV c.1482. (307)