York Historic Environment Record

In March and April 1996 York Archaeological Trust undertook an evaluation excavation at the Davygate Centre, York (NGR SE 6025 5186), to a specification prepared by John Oxley, Principal Archaeologist for York City Council. This work was undertaken in advance of redevelopment of the site and consisted of two trenches at widely spaced locations within the site. Trench 1 was located within the vacant shop unit number 7 in the Davygate Centre and was nominally 2m by 1m in size. Trench 2 measured 2m by 2m and was located in the New Street entrance to the centre adjacent to the external wall of Ware and Co. The finds and site records are currently stored with York Archaeological Trust under the Trust and Yorkshire Museum accession code YORYM 1996.85. For the most part the site lies within the area of the Roman legionary fortress, the south-west wall of which was exposed during the construction of British Home Stores in the 1960’s. It is also in the heart of the medieval city and significant remains of this, particularly Davy Hall which was finally demolished in the 18th century, and possibly the post-medieval periods would be expected to survive within the area of redevelopment.