York Historic Environment Record

In April and May 2002 York Archaeological Trust conducted an archaeological evaluation at a site adjacent to and west of Metcalfe Lane, Osbaldwick, York. This evaluation involved the excavation of twenty-two trenches, the siting of which was determined by a geophysical survey undertaken in Aril 2002 which had identified a number of areas and features of potential archaeological interest and significance. The evaluation investigated a number of these areas to determine the nature and date of the features identified in the geophysical survey. A series of 15 test-pits excavated by geo-technical purposes were also monitored by a short watching brief Features of archaeological interest, often in the position indicated by the geophysical survey but occasionally on a differing alignment, were found and excavated in Trenches 1, 2, 5, 6 and 2 1. These features included linear gullies and possible postholes. The major anomalies indicated in Trenches 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 19 were not located and probably indicate differences in the underlying natural geology. The remnants of medieval ridge and furrow ploughing were evident in all trenches as were 19 and 20th century attempts at land drainage. Several late post-medieval or modern features were also uncovered in Trenches 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 14, 21, 16 and 18. The number of finds was small but included Roman, medieval, post-medieval and modern pottery. Finds recovered during an Open Day for interested local people indicated that the site had been manured from central York during the medieval and post-medieval periods.