Land north of Tanyard Farm, Horley (Horley North East Sector Development

Excavation and watching brief by D Swift of ASE. Extensive evidence for Middle to Late Iron Age settlement was revealed to the south of the Burstow Stream, including a rare double-ring gully and post-built structure of a possible ritual nature. An apparent hiatus in occupation occurred until re-settlement in the 1st century AD, although field systems elsewhere on the site showed evidence for continuity. A further hiatus in occupation was noted until activity resumed in the late 2nd–early 3rd centuries AD.

Littleton Manor, Reigate

Soil-stripping, mapping and sampling by S Watson of PCA prior to the formation of a horse jumping area. No finds or features of archaeological interest were revealed. However, naturally occurring deposits of bog iron ore were encountered. Bog iron is formed through percolation of groundwater flowing into wetlands, and is thought to have been a major source of iron during the pre-industrial periods. Its discovery is fairly rare as most deposits appear to have been worked out in antiquity, so its analysis will contribute significantly to studies of pre-industrial iron-working in the region.

Stepstile Meadows, Reigate

Excavation by D Whittaker and A Margetts of ASE, continuing from previous evaluation and excavations in 2007. Limited archaeological material was revealed, with the majority of the predominantly Iron Age and Roman finds being recovered from a layer of colluvium. Some fairly unabraded Neolithic material was also recovered from this layer, suggesting possible rapid deposition, although the presence of early medieval material also suggests some later disturbance, possibly through ploughing.

Common Field, Old Reigate Road, Betchworth

Evaluation by R Entwistle of Berkshire Archaeological Services on the opposite side of the road to the Telex Field site where excavation in 2007 had produced evidence of multi-period activity (SyAC 95, 309). The distribution of features and finds uncovered during the work in 2007 suggested that the remains were likely to extend into the Common Field, but contrary to these expectations, almost all the trenches were devoid of features. The only feature of certain archaeological origin was a shallow, heavily truncated pit containing the fragmentary remains of a Late Bronze Age pottery vessel.

St Nicholas church, Charlwood

Watching brief by S Porteus of ASE during groundworks associated with the construction of a new extension to the north of the building. Four brick tombs of late 18th–19th century date were identified and recorded. A total of seventeen burials were excavated during the course of the work, and these were to be reburied elsewhere in the graveyard. A further nine were revealed but were preserved in situ as they were below the level affected by the extension groundworks. The burials all appear to be post-medieval in date.

Ashtead Common villa and tileworks, Ashtead

A third season of excavation was undertaken by D Bird for the Roman Studies Group of SyAS in 2008, the results of which allow both a better identification of at least basic phases of the villa site, with stratified pottery and other finds to provide dating, and a clearer understanding of information in A W G Lowther’s reports. Further magnetometer and topographical surveys were carried out by ASE and these hinted at features crossing one of the three trenches opened, but nothing was found that related to them.

High Ashurst Outdoor Education Centre, Mickleham

HLF Community Archaeology Project, under the guidance of A Guinness of Heritage Enterprise, involving the excavation of the footprint of a demolished estate house present on the site since at least the early 18th century and which was demolished between 1961 and 1973. The project, run in conjunction with Surrey Youth Development and Surrey Youth Justice, uncovered the entire entrance hall mosaic, the remains of the front steps and part of the gallery floor.

Betchworth

Excavation by D Williams of SCC of a group of ingot fragments contained within a pottery vessel. The eight ‘bun’ ingot fragments were located during metal detecting, and the pot is of a type that dates the find to about 800 BC. (410)

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