The site was initially thought to have a high potential for prehistoric remains as indicated by a number of struck flints found during a previous archaeological survey. During this present evaluation, mesolithic and early neolithic struck flints were collected from the topsoil within the eastern half of the site but no archaeological features of prehistoric date were recorded. It was noted, however, that the area at the top of the hill near these flints had been severely truncated by recent road building. The numerous worked flints recovered do suggest the presence of a Mesolithic or early Neolithic settlement in the area beyond the limits of the site(1)

(See TQ 94 NW 43)

In 1995 some supplementary field walking was carried out by Wessex Archaeology along the route of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Two scatters were observed and a majority of the material appeared to be Mesolithic, but a more precise date was harder since no microliths were present, though a microburin suggested microlith manufacturing. But Neolithic/Bronze Age activity was indicated by an end and side scraper. (4)

<1> Museum of London Archaeology Service, 1997, East of Newlands An Archaeological Evaluation (Unpublished document). SKE6982.

<2> Museum of London Archaeology Service, 1997, East of Newlands An Archaeological Evaluation Interim Report (Unpublished document). SKE6983.

<3> Oxford Wessex Archaeology Joint Venture, 2006, The Later Prehistoric Pottery from Excavations Along Section 1 of the CTRL (Unpublished document). SKE16486.

<4> Oxford Archaeological Unit, 1995, Channel Tunnel Rail Link: Assessment of Historic and Cultural Effects, Supplementary Fieldwork Report, Part 1 of 2 (Unpublished document). SKE17349.