What is test-pitting? Archaeological  Test-pitting involves small-scale excavations Test Pitting Programme which are carefully targeted and aim to characterize settlement activity over time Old

“Promoting the study of archaeology and antiquities…and any other Quick, minimal unbiased sampling matters or things relating to the pre-  The CORS (Currently Occupied Rural Settle- history and history of the County. ” ment) methodology employs 1×1 metre test- - Articles of Association pits, which allows for quick excavation with Surrey Archaeological Society minimal disturbance

 Because focus is on currently inhabited settle- Abinger Hammer Village School, Hackhurst ment, available land is often under intensive Lane, Abinger Hammer, Dorking RH5 6SE use (e.g. gardens) and not large open space Tel: 01483 532454 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

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Old Woking Project Surrey Archaeological Society

How we dig In Saxon times Woking was The pattern of settlement from the Saxon period onwards  All pits are the same size (1x1m) and follow N not just the name of the settle- can be traced through the various test pits, such as early the same procedure ment by the but Norman pottery which was found near the church and  Each pit is excavated in a series of 10cm spits also of a much larger division indicates activity in of land known as a Hundred. the 11th There were 14 Hundreds in century. Surrey and each had its own By the 12th court and special meeting place. Woking Hundred century, the settlement developed N along the

Open Fields High Street, gradually  The soil is sieved for finds, expanding in the later medieval period, which are washed and recorded with 15th century material (including brick clamps) possibly separately associated with nearby

River Wey .

Base map by Ken Bewsey  When the pit is Taken from 1840 Tithe Map What next? completed, the Buildings coloured red are those present in 1840 that still exist Those shaded plain grey were habitations, while those with grey hatching were not domestic buildings sections are drawn, Test pits are shown as blue dots Targeted geophysics and test- as well as any features pitting to search for:  It is then backfilled Old documents tell of a church founded in  The Saxon settlement associated and the turf restored Woking in the late 7th century, and today’s with the minster church St Peter’s Church has within it a door  Details of growth and decline in dating from the early 12th century. the medieval period The Saxon settlement likely  The date of the road to Send developed around this minster

church, and pig bones How can you be involved? (remains of a feast?)  Offer your garden for test- Interested? have been pitting and geophysics Anyone who is interested in getting involved, working dated to  Join the volunteers digging with us on an event, wants more information or around AD 700 and were found in a and processing finds would like to be added to the mailing list, please email test pit close to the churchyard. [email protected] [email protected]