York Historic Environment Record

An archaeological excavation was carried out at 31 Walmgate, York. This work was undertaken after the evaluation of the site had revealed the presence of surviving archaeological features from the Romano-British period through to early modern times. This second phase of work involved the excavation of a single trench to the rear of the former Lord Nelson. The investigation revealed the presence of layers of Romano-British ground make-up, directly overlying the gently sloping natural deposits. It is possible that these make-up deposits are associated with the establishment of the Roman road that approached the fortress from the southeast. Later activity included the excavation of medieval refuse pits and the setting out of property boundaries reinforced first by the digging of a large ditch and subsequently by the construction of a brick wall. This structure ran centrally along the trench and clearly defined a yard area within one property and an alley running back from the Walmgate frontage.