York Historic Environment Record

EXCAVATION 46-54 Fishergate Traces of agricultural activity and some minor ditches represented the Roman activity on the site. The earliest extensively excavated deposits related to settlement which dated to between the late 7th century or early 8th century and the mid/late 9th century. Two distinct archaeological periods were identified, separated by a distinctive deposit of charcoal which was interpreted as levelling and represented the abandonment of the site. The first period of settlement consisted of a series of large well spaced properties limited to the east by a boundary ditch. An east-west line of pits delineated the southern edge of this settlement which contained post-built structures and their associated pits and latrines. This first settlement had the appearance of planned development. Its location at the junction of two rivers, and evidence from the finds which suggested craft activities and trading, give rise to the interpretation of the settlement as part of the trading wic, from which Eofowic derives its name. At some point all of these structures were demolished and sealed by a levelling deposit composed of domestic waste and fire sweepings. The levelling deposit was cut by a boundary ditch associated with a number of pits. This new settlement dated to the first half of the 9th century and was less intensive and less extensive than that dating to the 8th century. Occupation appeared to have continued into the late 9th century when the site was abandoned until c. AD 1000. A late 10th - 11th century structure was encountered in the south-eastern part of the site. A possible early church and associated burials were found. The cemetery continued in use through the 12th century. A stone built monastic complex, St Andrew's Gilbertine Priory, was constructed in the late 12th century, and dedicated in 1202. The priory was modified a number of times; the final adjustments to partitions took place in the 16th century. The church was demolished c. 1538. The site was used as an orchard in the 17th and 18th centuries before an early glass factory was built in 1870-1900, and replaced by modern factory buildings in 1900- 1984. NMR: Church and Priory of St Andrew, Fishergate. A wooden structure associated with the Early Medieval cemetery is interpreted as a church. YAT and Yorkshire Museum accession code: 1984-86.9 RCHME microfilm PRN 920. English Heritage archaeology review 40 1996-97 Interim : bulletin of the York Archaeological Trust 11.3/1986/8-16 The archaeology of York York Archaeological Trust 1993/Cemeteries of St Andrew, Fishergate (fascicule 12/2) The archaeology of York York Archaeological Trust 1996/The church and Gilbertine Priory of St Andrew, Fishergate (fascicule 11/2) Interim : bulletin of the York Archaeological Trust 10.4/1985/23-31 The archaeology of York York Archaeological Trust 1993/Pottery from 46-54 Fishergate (fascicule 16/6) The archaeology of York York Archaeological Trust 1991/Fascicule 15/4 Interim : bulletin of the York Archaeological Trust 11.4/1986/12-19