Surrey Archaeological Society

Report by A Weale published in SyAC 96, 215–225.

Evaluation by S Cass of TVAS did not reveal any finds or features of archaeological interest.

A programme of investigation comprising historic building recording and excavation of inhumations by S Watson of PCA, was undertaken after partial demolition of the current vestry, and the subsequent ground reduction of the site prior to the construction of a new enlarged vestry and during associated drainage works. After the demolition of the vestry (presumed to have been constructed in 1823 with later alterations), the lower part of the northern exterior wall of the chancel was exposed.

Soil stripping, mapping and sampling by D King of FA of a site close to the river Mole proposed for a new games area. The work revealed three linear features and a possible pit cut into the top of an alluvial layer present across the site. The dominating linear feature was up to 9m wide and possibly represented a trackway of medieval or post-medieval date. A stony layer running along its edge pre-dated the feature, and the Saxon pottery sherd contained within this layer may be either residual or date it to that period.

Watching brief by R Poulton of SCAU revealed evidence of past disturbance, but no finds or features of archaeological interest.

Evaluation by N Randall of SCAU revealed two pits. Finds including struck and burnt flints and a pottery sherd of possible Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age date were present in and above the fills of the pits, but the recovery of brick, tile and slate from the fills suggests that the pits are of recent origin. Further finds of struck flint were recovered within a layer of redeposited soil used to level the site for the tennis court, but it is not clear whether this material originated from the site or was introduced from elsewhere.

Evaluation by T Munnery of SCAU did not reveal any finds or features of archaeological interest.

Historic building record and watching brief by N Shaikhley of SCAU prior to and during the creation of new visitor facilities. A number of features associated with the development of the Polesden Lacey estate were exposed during the watching brief, notably a brick-built domed structure that probably served as a storage tank for a water trough and hand-pump formerly in this location as illustrated on a 1905 photograph

Watching brief by G Rapson of MOLA during underground cabling on land south of Polesden Lacey House, between Yew Tree Farm, Lonesome Cottage and Prospect Lodge. The cable was laid mainly by mole-plough, resulting in minimal excavation, and no archaeological finds or features were revealed.