VOLUNTEERS and archaeologists have got their hands dirty over the past two weeks as they attempted to uncover more of the buried remains of Woking Palace.
While investigations carried out earlier in the Woking Palace Archaeological Project have shown the site was a sand island in the River Wey about 8,000 years ago, the current excavations are revealing evidence of the rich and varied history of the site.
Along with extra remains of the complex layout of buildings that once stood at Carters Lane, another more unusual discovery was made.
A type of ginger beer bottle known as a Codd bottle was unearthed, marked Castle Brewery (Lascelles, Tickner & Co.) Guildford and dating back to 1910 to 1918. It is believed it was buried by someone working on the site when Lord Iveagh carried out early excavations around 1911.
In addition to experienced volunteers from Surrey Archaeological Society, members of the public have been able to join the project through the ‘Dig for a Day’ scheme.
All the places on this scheme have been filled by enthusiastic volunteers keen to get their first taste of life in the archaeology trenches. Others have been able to learn about the way in which ‘finds’ from the site are cleaned and recorded to add to the evidence.
A public open day on Sunday (September 30) is a chance to see the results of this year’s excavations at Woking Palace. The Friends of Woking Palace will guide visitors around the site and archaeologists who have worked on it will explain the discoveries made in each of the trenches.
In addition, various heritage groups from the area will be mounting displays and exhibitions.