Surrey Archaeological Collections 90

Report on the excavation in 1999 and 2000 of a cemetery from which material had previously been removed during the late nineteenth century. A re-evaluation of this material and findings from a 1992 evaluation of the site are also incorporated. All or parts of forty-six Saxon inhumation graves and two cremation burials were recovered. A high proportion (72%) of graves contained goods, comprising weaponry (33%, including four swords); jewellery (13%) and high-status items including a bronze bowl filled with hazelnuts. The finds indicated a predominantly sixth-century date, with a range potentially extending from the late-fifth to late-seventh/early-eighth centuries. The cultural affinities indicate links with the South Saxons, with limited Kentish influences and sparse Anglian ones. While there was relatively good preservation of organic remains including textiles, horn, wood and skin/leather, the human remains were poorly preserved with small quantities of bone recovered from only 48% of graves. A Late Roman/early post-Roman inhumation burial, of plaster burial form, was found on the east side of the Saxon cemetery. A Saxon grave catalogue is accessible via the Archaeology Data Service website and the Surrey Archaeological Society website. Reports include:

including toilet implements, knives and an item tentatively identified as a pair of shears

two carinated bowls with stamped decoration plus fragmentary material from the excavation, and brief mention of seventeen vessels recovered during the nineteenth century and recorded elsewhere

assorted copper-alloy and iron objects

mineralized organic remains on metalwork from eleven graves indicated that the sword and knife handles were horn. There were indications that the sword scabbards were of ash or willow/poplar wood, and those of two knives were leather. The wood from three shields was also analysed

analysis and discussion of two copper-alloy brooches, one with a tinned surface and one with plating

A cemetery from the seventh century AD was the subject of salvage excavations during 1986. The report looks at the evidence including the forty-four graves; a catalogue and analysis of the human remains; grave goods including knives, buckles, a wheel-thrown pot, a quartz crystal pendant, a pointed iron tool, a copper-alloy mount, and two objects of antler, horn or bone; and fragments of mineral-preserved textile. The context of the cemetery in the local community is discussed. The authors conclude that despite problems of poor recording, little immediate conservation of finds, and reburial of the skeletal material, and also the scarcity of grave goods, it is possible to investigate and discuss many aspects of the site. Reports include:

including results of the analysis of nine samples

Excavations revealed multiple layers of occupation from the time of the construction of Bermondsey Street in the late-twelfth century onwards. Although no evidence was found of the precinct wall of Bermondsey Abbey which documentary evidence suggested might be adjacent to the site, remains of a late-medieval building were found. This may have stood until c.1580. Three major phases of post-medieval construction activity were recorded including a major rebuilding phase dated to after 1660 and incorporating medieval building stone and ceramic building material probably robbed from Bermondsey Abbey. Photographs and drawings indicate that the late-seventeenth-century buildings were still standing at the end of the nineteenth century. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the marshy hinterland behind the street frontage was used for various industrial processes associated with the leather industry. Reports include:

including several dress accessories, an iron double candlestick, fragments of stone mortars, five post-medieval cutlery handles, a spoon, a bone whistle, a Victorian toy half-sovereign coin, and a playing counter. Evidence of bone bead-making; pin-making; copper-alloy casting; and domestic enterprise was found. Three large hooks, a sword hook, a dagger blade in its sheath chape, an eighteenth century pewter tankard with a Surrey control stamp and name of its user or owner, a lead weight, four seventeenth century farthings and two silver pennies were also found

Report of an excavation revealing a small number of archaeological features of Roman, medieval and post-medieval date together with a few Saxon finds. The most notable structural find was a late medieval well. Finds included an incomplete polished bone pinbeater, possibly of Saxon date. Reports include:

various but including two pig skeletons, possibly slaughtered and buried because of disease

The report describes the excavation in 1985--1986 of a roof tile kiln built with great brick, voussoirs and tile which is dated to 1200--1220. Products from the kiln have been identified in Farnham Castle and Bishop's Waltham Palace. The connections between the Borelli Yard kiln and those in Farnham Park and at Guildford Castle and Palace are explored. Important documentary evidence for tile production at Highclere (Hampshire) is examined to illustrate the organization and running of the roof tile industry. Reports include:

dates were obtained of 1205-65 AD

A mound believed to be a Bronze Age bowl barrow is discussed in relation to the surrounding landscape and local boundaries. A survey revealed what appeared to be an unpublished excavation trench.

Documents chance finds and organised archaeological fieldwork undertaken in the county and parts of Greater London during the year. Notes are divided into sections for each District or Borough and therein ordered by national grid reference.