York Historic Environment Record

In April and May 2004, English Heritage undertook an archaeological investigation and analytical field survey of Walmgate Stray on the outskirts of York. The field survey identified a variety of earthworks, including medieval and Napoleonic ridge and furrow ploughing, First World War practice trenches, and a Second World War assault course. The earliest direct physical evidence for military use of the Stray dates from the First World War in the form of four practice firing trenches and section of practice communication trenches. Walmgate Stray also contains the earthwork remains of military features dating to the Second World War. Of these the most unusual are the earthworks of an army assault course, which are apparently unique in the archaeological record. The Stray has also been used for a number of other functions, such as quarrying, as well as recreational activities including football and cricket. The planting of an ornamental line of trees, probably during the 1920s, also saw the Stray take a step towards its current primary function; that of recreational amenity land.