York Historic Environment Record

Between the spring of 2010 and the summer of 2011 On-Site Archaeology Ltd undertook a programme of archaeological investigation in advance of the construction of a new spine road and associated groundworks as part of the Heslington East extension to the University of York. The investigations followed a series of evaluations and were carried out in accordance with methodologies agreed between the Principal Archaeologist for City of York Council, John Oxley, and the University of York Archaeological Consultant, Dr Patrick Ottaway. The majority of the archaeological investigation comprised detailed excavation of the line of the new spine road within two fields (Fields 8 and 9) on the south facing slope of Kimberlow Hill. In addition excavation extended to the south of the spine road in Field 8 in advance of future development, and within a separate area to the southeast of Field 9, known as field B6. The main excavation area revealed the presence of a complex archaeological site ranging in date from the Middle Bronze Age to the late 4th century AD. A minimum of seven main phases of occupation were recognised. In addition to the main phases limited artefactual evidence suggests some form of activity stretching back as far as the Mesolithic and also into the Anglian period. By the medieval period the site appears to have been utilised exclusively as agricultural land, which had continued until the early 21st century. Unusual geological conditions had led to the presence of a series of natural springs, located approximately along the 20m contour line, on the south facing slope of Kimberlow Hill. These springs had been managed to some extent from at least the early Bronze Age to the late Roman period. Much of the archaeology recorded within Field 8 comprised ditched enclosures and wells of Romano-British date. These were clearly situated towards the periphery of much more extensive settlement remains, which were investigated by the University of York Department of Archaeology Field School. The archaeological results of the investigation are clearly of sufficient significance to require publication. This will be done alongside the results of the investigations carried out by the Department of Archaeology and by York Archaeological Trust on other areas of the Heslington East site. This assessment has been prepared to assist in the preparation of an Updated Project Design for undertaking the post-excavation analyses and publication.