York Historic Environment Record

Archaeological investigations were conducted within a c.180 hectare area centred on SE 58643 56300 at Clifton Gate, York. 105 trenches and 18 boreholes identified archaeological remains across the majority of the site. Archaeological deposits were encountered between the base of the topsoil at c.300mm below ground level and the top of geological deposits at c.500mm below ground level. Archaeological activity consisted of Iron Age and Roman boundary, settlement and field systems. These were evidenced by ditches, gullies, pits and post holes that produced pottery and other datable material along with environmental data in the form of seeds, charcoal and other plant remains. Overlying the Iron Age and Roman archaeology, particularly on the western and eastern margins of the site were the remains of medieval cultivation. This was evidenced by furrows identified below ground and in places by upstanding, albeit heavily ploughed out, ridge-and furrow earthworks. Post-medieval activity related to the on-going agricultural regime and consisted mainly of field drainage. The archaeology has been affected by ploughing and extensive drainage systems across the site. None is worthy of preservation in situ but much of it is of at least local significance and sufficiently well-preserved to require mitigation by further investigation during any future development.