York Historic Environment Record

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken at the former fire station, Clifford Street, York, between the 30th of June and the 3rd of July 2015. Four trenches measuring approximately 3m2 and 1.25m deep were excavated using a 6 ton mechanical excavator. The features and deposits excavated relate to 19th century buildings and post-medieval gardens predating those structures. Those features and deposits identified are of low archaeological importance. A borehole survey consisting of 5 cored samples identified up to 2m of 19th and 20th century deposits followed by a further 1-2m of possible post-medieval garden soils and up to 2m of accumulated medieval deposits. Below these, a further c.4-5m of banded re-worked and alluvial silts were identified. These contained preserved organic material, which could date from the Roman period onwards. These deposits have some potential for archaeological significance. Natural was only encountered at the north eastern end of the site.