York Historic Environment Record

Two evaluation trenches were dug in advance of a proposed development. Trench 1 measured 2 x 1.5 metres and was sunk to a depth of 1.75 metres. Contained within this trench was evidence of a well constructed opus signinium floor which was overlain by later clay deposits associated with levelling and a less well constructed floor of a later date all Roman in date. These layers were sealed under a sandstone flags which the excavator believed were representative of a roof collapse of a well constructed building of 2nd century date. Between these layers and those of later Medieval date was a layer of grey silty clay which the excavator believed was indicative of a period of abandonment of the site. Cut into the Medieval occupation levels was a pit believed to be Medieval or Post Medieval in date. Trench 2 a wall standing to a height of four courses was recovered which was neatly faced with a core rubble. Surrounding this structure was a spread of large limestone blocks which were interpreted as evidence for collapse of this particular structure. The excavator gave this structure a 4th century date on the basis of recovered evidence associated with the structure. Underneath this layer evidence for an earlier stone building was recovered along with an associated infant burial. Deposits which were above these two layers were archaeolgically sterile and formed of a mixed dark grey brown sandy clay build up which had been partially removed by the construction of a trench which was Post Medieval and appeared to serve as foundation ditch for a boundary wall.