In March 2022, a small team of volunteers from Surrey Archaeological Society carried out a geophysical magnetometry survey and fieldwalking exercise on Neale’s Field, Chipstead as part of a small community project. This work was undertaken in order to investigate an unusual concentration of early metal-detecting finds, most notably a number of rare 15th century coins, which led to speculation of the site being the possible location of a medieval fair which was recorded at Chipstead from the 13th century, and to define, date and characterise the site. Although restrictions resulted in only the southern half of the field being surveyed, finds uncovered from fieldwalking were mostly modern in date, though included worked flint dating from the late Neolithic to Bronze Age and a small number of sherds of Roman date. Few features of note were identified in the geophysics to suggest use of the field beyond agricultural or pastural purposes, although excavation would be needed to substantiate this. 

The site was identified as being of special interest from a concentration of metal detecting finds uncovered and reported by local detectorist Greg Weales, who worked closely with the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Surrey Finds Liaison Officer. The fieldwork was done under close association with the Chipstead Village Preservation Society, who own the field, and would not have been possible without the kind permission of CVPS and Richard Kent, as well as the Chipstead Rugby Club and Peter Quiney, who kindly granted use of their facilities. A final acknowledgement must be made to Chris Taylor for his detailed recording and assessment of the flint.

For more about the site and the project work, you can read the posters which accompanied the display Chipstead posters.pdf

The full site report can also be downloaded in the link below.