Surrey Archaeological Society

In October 2013 Oxford Archaeology conducted an archaeological test-pit evaluation and watching brief during the excavation of a channel diversion at Farnham Bourne, Surrey (centred at NGR: SU 8472 4617). The excavation exposed modern reinforcement of the south bank of the water course together with two phases of probable garden soils overlying alluvial deposits. The existing channel’s location, above the level of the gardens to the south, suggests that the water course was channelised, probably to supply a mill further to the east.

Oxford Archaeology undertook a staged programme of archaeological work at Priory Park, Reigate, Surrey, during May-July 2005 on behalf of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Land Use Consultants. This programme included a desk-based assessment, walkover survey, geophysical survey and trenched evaluation. Most of the fieldwork was targeted at elucidating the location and layout of the medieval Reigate Priory, and the post-Dissolution development of the Priory as a residence set in landscaped parkland.

Oxford Archaeology South (OAS) was commissioned by Andrew Josephs Ltd, on behalf of J and J Franks Ltd, to undertake an archaeological evaluation of land at Mercers Farm, near Nutfield, Surrey (centred on TQ 3050 5200) ahead of proposed mineral extraction. The work was undertaken between 3rd - 27th January 2012. A total of 94 trenches were excavated across the site. Evidence was found for activity from three main periods: the earliest spanning the late Bronze Age to early Iron Age; medieval agricultural use; and post-medieval activity.

Although no significant archaeological remains were identified during the preliminary Phase 1 watching brief works the Phase 2 works partially exposed two articulated skeletons which were preserved in-situ. The works also revealed two brick culverts. The investigation of the straw and organic material in the roof structure was of interest. The straw appears to have been used as a packing material rather than being traces of a former thatched roof and its use in this way appears to be very unusual.

An Archaeological Evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology at Kingswood Warren, Kingswood, Surrey. Thirty-two trenches were excavated. The earliest finds consisted of two pieces of unstratified worked flint. However, no other prehistoric artefacts or associated features were identified. The footings of garden buildings of probable late 19th-century date were revealed in trenches to the west and south of the existing Kingswood Warren house. To the east of the house evidence for probably modern woodland planting was also recorded.

In February 2017 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an archaeological watching brief for CgMs on behalf of Crest and Aviva Investors at Trumps Farm, Chertsey, Surrey (centred on NGR: SU 9876 6537; Fig. 1). The watching brief was undertaken to fulfil a condition attached to a planning consent for the development of a small car park adjacent to Kitsmead Lane (Planning ref: RU.13/0857). No features or deposits of archaeological interest were observed during groundworks and, despite visual scanning of spoil, no artefactual material pre-dating the modern period was recovered.

Archaeology South-East were commissioned by Rider Levett Bucknall on behalf of their client Surrey County Council to carry out an evaluation on land at Sandcross Junior School, Sandcross Lane, Reigate (NGR 524901 148763) prior to the construction of an extension to the school buildings and modification of the playing field. The work was undertaken between 24th October 2011 and 26th October 2011.

Building survey identified several phases starting in c1452

Abstract Archaeology South-East was commissioned by CgMs on behalf of their client to undertake an archaeological evaluation at Moore Place, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey. Four trial trenches were excavated on the 5th March 2012. The natural gravel and sand was identified between 43.57m OD and 44.98m OD. Modern dumps associated with levelling for the former car park were identified in the south of the site. No archaeological finds or features were recorded.

An archaeological monitoring exercise and evaluation by Paul Riccoboni, was maintained on land at Cleveland Lodge, Westhumble Street, Westhumble, Dorking, Surrey (NGR 1670 5190) prior to the construction of a housing development with associated roads and car parking (Planning reference: MO/2006/1607/PLAMAJ). Four site visits were made by supervisory staff from ASE between the 30th May 2007 and 14th August 2007. Archaeological monitoring took place along the line of the temporary road, which traversed the site.