Albury Park test pitting open day

A second year of test pitting is taking place at Albury Park to investigate the deserted medieval settlement which once stretched across the course of the former road. 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, we are working to uncover and learn more about the original settlement!

As part of the Festival of Archaeology, there will also be an open day on Sunday 28 July (12:00-15:00) where members of the public are invited to see some of the finds already excavated earlier in the summer, and have a go at helping to dig some of the pits. No prior experience or booking is needed - families welcome!

From 13:00-14:00, the beautiful private pleasure gardens, laid out in the 1670s by John Evelyn, will be available for touring.

This will be followed by an optional guided walk from the park to Shere and back, led by Surrey Hills Society, from 14:00-16:00. This will take in the local milling history of the Tillingbourne and include a steep climb (length c5km, moderate difficulty). Spaces are limited and require prior booking (minimum age 10+ please) - please see https://www.surreyarchaeology.org.uk/content/albury-guided-walk-for-the-festival-of-archaeology to book.

At 16:30, a public talk on the test pitting project and its historic background will be given in the church by the archaeologist in charge, Dr Anne Sassin. This will last approximately 45 minutes, and is also free of charge.

Parking is available by the Saxon Church. More detail on the project can be found at https://www.surreyarchaeology.org.uk/content/albury-park-test-pitting-and-open-day-0.