York Historic Environment Record

Documentary evidence suggests that the steps leading to the south transept door into York Minster have been in approximately their current form since the mid 17 th century. The nature of the ground surface in the area of Minster Yard has been altered on several occasions over the same period; in the last century or so the ground /eve/ at the foot of the steps appears to have risen by 0.25 — 0.30m. Archaeological evidence indicates that significant archaeological deposits representing the use of this area in the post-medieval and medieval periods lie within 0.25 — 0.30m of the present surface. Metalled surfaces which represent the Minster's immediate surrounds from the Norman period onward may be found over at least part of this area; where noted previously, they overlie a pre-Norman cemetery. Other features, including evidence for postmedieval structures, may also be present in this area. York Archaeological Trust has been commissioned by the Dean and Chapter of York Minster to undertake a desk-based archaeological and historical assessment which will be used to support an application for Scheduled Monument Consent and a concomitant planning application for landscaping and remodelling an area around the south transept of York Minster.