
We will be returning for a second year of test pitting this season at Albury Park to investigate the deserted medieval settlement which once stretched across the course of the former road which continued all the way to Shere. The original village of Albury was displaced in the early 19th century (to its current location to the west), and little now remains standing of the former cottages. However, with the help of geophysical survey, LiDAR and - of course - a large-scale series of test pits spread across the site, we are working to uncover and learn more about the original settlement!
The original medieval settlement and manor of Albury, in Albury Park, is well-known for its displacement by the local lord(s) of the manor in the late 18th and early 19th century and re-location a kilometre away, to the present-day village, formerly the manor of Weston. Little is known of its earlier history, including its precise extent and any evidence of medieval activity beyond its Domesday ‘Old Saxon’ church (TQ 0631 4785) and mill along the banks of the Tillingbourne.
On Thursday 16 December at approximately 19:00, the MSF AGM will be preceded by an online Zoom lecture from James Wright FSA on ‘The Folklore and Archaeology of Historic Buildings’. James, a buildings archaeologist and historic stone specialist, will explore some of the most common misconceptions surrounding historic buildings, outlining the legends, explaining the origins of the myths and revealing the underlying truth behind each story to understand a little more about their former occupants.
Participants of all ages are invited to book a slot for a full weekend of test-pitting at Nonsuch Park over Heritage Open Weekend (Saturday 21st-Sunday 22nd September) to undergo investigation of the Tudor Old Stables.