Surrey Archaeological Society

A second season of excavation by L Spencer of SyAS on the postulated site of Bookham Courte revealed more of the demolition layer uncovered in 2014 (SyAC 99, 224) from which medieval pottery dated to 1250 to 1500 was recovered. Beneath the demolition rubble, a succession of largely sterile deposits overlay a chalk surface. A line of one or two courses of large flat-topped chalk blocks was revealed in the west of the site though, given its narrow width, it was unclear whether this constituted a wall foundation.

Evaluation by N Randall of SCAU on the first of three phases of development revealed only a single linear feature of indeterminate, although probably modern, date.

Evaluation by A Taylor of TVAS revealed two segments of a possible prehistoric gully, but no finds or other features were recorded.

Further excavation by the Roman Studies Group of SyAS led by D Bird in the field to the north-east of the Scheduled villa area revealed evidence for probably two consecutive later Iron Age enclosures on the hilltop together with eleven flat-bottomed pits to add to the three found in 2014. Quernstones and other finds confirmed the idea that these were probably for grain storage. Burnt clay, probably from wattle-and-daub oven domes and large quantities of burnt carrstone in pit fills, suggested Late Iron Age activity.

Test pitting by C Hayward of SyAS recovered medieval pottery from several gardens, together with a small amount of Roman pottery, adding to evidence for settlement in the Roman period.

Geophysical survey carried out by N Lindford, P Lindford and A Payne of HE over the east lawn and meadow at Clandon Park House. Anomalies that correspond to the former layout of the ‘gravel garden’ and can be compared with 18th century depictions of the garden layout were revealed.

Watching brief by N Randall of SCAU during ground level reductions revealed a largely intact soil profile, but no features or finds of archaeological significance.

Geoarchaeological investigation by C Green of QUEST consisting of two boreholes and two test pits revealed that the site lies largely on the Holocene flood plain of the river Wey. Only towards the southern boundary of the site did the ground rise towards the level of the Kempton Park Terrace and the Upper Palaeolithic occupation horizon recorded on the surface of that terrace to the south of the A25 (Ladymead). In that area, extensive disturbance was recorded, probably as a result of the construction of the Guildford and Godalming by-pass in the 1930s and previous building work.

A test pit evaluation by C Douglas of ASE of the west interior of the church identified a north-west/south-east aligned flint and mortar wall parallel to the west wall. It could not be dated and no associated finds were encountered. A number of disarticulated human bones were also uncovered in the north aisle indicating a possible burial or burial horizon at this level in the north-west part of the church