York Historic Environment Record

This Desktop Assessment has been prepared at the request of DWA Architects Ltd to assist with consideration of development proposals to comprise a 57 room extension to the Royal York Hotel, York. The assessment indicates that the site has the potential to contain archaeological remains relating to a known Roman cemetery. Survival of archaeological features across the site may variable, and dependent on the impact of the 19th century works associated with the construction of the hotel building and adjacent railway lines and roads. Archaeological work in advance of the construction of the hotel conference centre in 2000 revealed that Roman burials had survived 19th century disturbance in parts of the hotel grounds. A similar situation is possible in the location of the proposed development. It will be crucial to determine the actual survival of archaeological deposits, which would be affected by the redevelopment. This would be achieved through the excavation of an archaeological evaluation trench or trenches within the footprint of the proposed extension.