In agreement with English Heritage, Wessex Archaeology proposed to investigate the archaeological content of the site by way of two machine excavated trenches in the first instance, with provision for a third if required in the light of preliminary results. Both trenches to be approximately 10m x 3m in plan, located to investigate the both the extent of existing disturbances and undisturbed archaeological deposits. In close vicinity of standing buildings, trench locations were also to take account of likely hazards and disruptions to the normal operation of the site. Late medieval/early post-medieval deposits associated with the postulated site of Thomas More's Chelsea estate were anticipated (Museum of London 1993). Two trenches were excavated, principally by hand after machine stripping, and a range of archaeological deposits recorded and investigated. As well as extensive structural remains of later post-medieval buildings and associated pits, drains etc., a number of non-structural features containing only late medieval materials were revealed. The results suggest that the southern half of the site (across an E-W axis parallel to Cheyne Walk) has been disturbed extensively by later post-medieval and modern activities, to a level below the surface of natural. The northern half of the site appears to contain archaeological features of an indeterminate function and of late medieval/early post-medieval date, possibly part of or associated with Thomas More's estate, in a relatively good state of preservation.