An excavation area was mechanically stripped, and two subsequent watching briefs were undertaken to the east and west of the excavation area. Excavation: Non-significant overburden was removed using a suitable mechanical excavator, which was equipped with a toothless grading bucket, whilst under constant archaeological direction. Thereafter, all further archaeological investigation was conducted manually by archaeologists. Where necessary, revealed archaeological features and deposits were hand-cleaned to aid identification, interpretation and planning. Archaeological features, deposits and interventions were mapped by use of a high precision GPS and, where appropriate, detailed hand-drawn plans. Interventions were recorded in section. A systematic metal detector survey was conducted during the mechanical strip of the excavation area. In order to maximise finds recovery, ring ditches 1 and 2, ditch 1 and the pits/postholes were manually excavated to 100% sample level, after the completion of section recording. Watching Brief: In relation to the excavation of the attenuation tank at the east of the site, the associated mechanical strip was conducted whilst under constant archaeological observation. The excavation was achieved by use of suitable plant equipped with a toothless grading bucket. Identified features were subject to appropriate recording. The watching brief at the west of the site was conducted in an area of known services and other Modern interventions and, as such, this area was subject to limited and intermittent monitoring. Due to the presence of concrete and other hard deposits, the excavations in this area were conducted by use of plant which was variously equipped with a toothed and toothless grading bucket. Where present, archaeological features were appropriately recorded. The investigations at Spelthorne Leisure Centre revealed archaeological remains intermittently spanning a period of some 3,500 years. The earliest occupation within the site was evidenced by a cluster of three small pits, which were dated to the Middle Neolithic. A small amount of residual Beaker pottery provided limited evidence for activity of this period in the general vicinity. At some point in the Early Bronze Age the site saw the construction of two barrows, which survived as shallow ring ditches, one of which possibly cut through an earlier field ditch or boundary. The other barrow was associated with an inverted collared urn cremation burial, which contained the remains of at least three human juvenile individuals, all of whom were aged less than 8 years of age. A probable Mesolithic flint core was incorporated into the cobble packing fill around the cinerary urn. A former river or stream channel located a short distance to the south of the barrows was possibly an open feature in the Prehistoric period. The site appeared to have been agricultural/hinterland in the Iron Age and Roman periods; although, generally residual Roman finds were present and the recovery of an Iron Age gold stater (coin) of Tasciovanus was an interesting and rare find. There was some, albeit limited, evidence for Saxon settlement in the form of ditches, pits and a possible fire-pit, whilst pierced Late Roman coins may have been parts of amulets, which were possibly related to a nearby Anglo-Saxon burial ground. A single silver penny (sceat) provided limited evidence for Middle Saxon activity in the general vicinity. The site was most likely given over to agriculture from the Medieval period onwards. An interesting metal finds assemblage was present, which included gold, silver, copper and lead objects, as well as coins, which were datable to the Iron Age, Roman, Saxon, Medieval and Post-medieval periods. A 17th century silver fede ring (Small Find 36) has been designated treasure trove.
Andrew Hood (Wed,) studied this question.