Surrey Archaeological Society

Evaluation by H Nicholls of ASE revealed 88 archaeological features, comprising ditches, gullies, pits and postholes dating from the Roman and medieval periods. Three possible Roman phases of activity were identified. The earliest of these was indicated by a large sub-rectangular enclosure (Enclosure 1) in the very north of the site, of Late Iron Age/early Roman date, together with a possible curvilinear gully.

The final season of excavation by D Calow for the Roman Studies Group of SyAS revealed a small pit filled with burnt flint, pot and charcoal radiocarbon dated to the Late Bronze Age. A north/south ditch 6m to the east contained a few small sherds of flint-tempered pottery and charcoal of very similar date. In total c 50 fragments of Late Bronze Age pottery were recovered, most of it redeposited in Roman features, suggesting there was Late Bronze Age activity in the vicinity.

Excavation by A Haslam of PCA targeted three areas of the site, identified following earlier evaluation (SyAC 99, 218). Area 1 was situated in the south-western corner of the site. It revealed two parallel, north-west/south-east orientated ditches, interpreted as a droveway, and a series of small pits and postholes that formed a sub-rectangular enclosure, possibly an animal pen or paddock, to their east. All were of probable Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age date. A further sub-pen was identified within the south-eastern corner of the enclosure.

Excavation by A Haslam of PCA of 1m2 test pits across a colluvial deposit that covered the site, and previously identified during a programme of evaluation (SyAC 99, 218), produced c 7000 pieces of Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age struck flint. The bulk of the assemblage dated from the later Bronze Age to the Iron Age and may derive from middening practices spanning those periods. Although redeposited, the flint assemblage clearly represents all stages in the reduction process, from the preparation of raw materials through to the manufacture, use and discard of tools.

Watching brief by S Nelson of EEHAS during groundworks for a rear extension revealed a small patch of rammed chalk surface possibly associated with an earlier building, known from cartographic evidence

Evaluation by T Blencowe of WA revealed the presence of layers of building debris directly overlying natural gravel across . the entire evaluation area, indicating the site had been landscaped during the modern period. A post-medieval vaulted brick culvert was revealed that probably relates to Woodcote Grove House, to the south-west

Excavation and watching brief by N Cowlard of EEHAS revealed a wall trench or robbed foundation that produced material of 18th century date and that may relate to an earlier building demolished in the early 19th century.

Watching brief by N Marples of SCAU during the removal of trees at the north end of the new school site, adjacent to the recent discovery of a Late Bronze Age metalworker’s hoard (SyAC 99, 215), revealed no finds or features of archaeological significance.

Watching brief by W Weller of SCAU during excavation of the foundation of a small extension off the northern wall of the tower and wider flood alleviation works. A number of features of post-medieval date were revealed including the remains of foundations, probably of the south wing associated with the remodelling of the house by Henry Pelham in the 1730s.

Watching brief by O Batchelor of AOC on five test pits revealed modern truncation associated with the construction of the former house.