York Historic Environment Record

Two superimposed structures excavated at 35-41 Blossom Street have been interpreted as mausolea. The first structure (Mausoleum 1) was demolished in advance of the construction of a second structure (Mausoleum 2). This second structure had destroyed most of the evidence for the first mausoleum. Evidence for Mausoleum 1 comprised four shallow cuts that might have housed posts; two rectilinear cuts that might have been associated with internal fittings; and a scoop that contained possible debris from the demolition of the structure. Two graves containing an adult male and an unsexed teenager might have been associated with this first phase mausoleum. Mausoleum 2 was represented by four deep flat-bottomed foundation trenches. Little of the superstructure remained except at the sout-west corner where traces of outer and inner faces of coursed limestone rubble bounded a core of mortared limestone fragments. Mausoleum 1 is dated to between 200AD and 225AD. It is possible that this was constructed from stone. Two burials and a ritual deposit were made within the lifetime of this building. This mausoleum was dismantled and replaced by Mausoleum 2. Mausoleum 2 was built c 225-250AD and demolished c300-325AD. Interpretation of the foundations of the second structure suggest that the western wall, facing the Roman road, was more substantial. Small quantities of opus signinum and plaster may derive from internal decoration; tile fragments may be derived from the roof of this structure. Evidence suggests that burials continued after the mausoleum had fallen into disrepair or that its original owners/ users lost control over the right of burial in association with it. The thoroughness of the demolition suggests that not only had the mausoleum lost its commemorative function through the extinction or removal of the group that had used it, but that the scheme of beliefs that it represented were no longer respected.