Items · York Archaeology Online Collections

2000.1-14 YORYM, is the composite site code for the Hungate Development; 14 individual codes. The archaeological investigation in advance of the major redevelopment scheme in the Hungate area of York involved desk-top study, borehole and engineering test pit analysis and trial excavation. See 1999.253 YORYM for phases 1 and 2. The archaeological evaluation involved the excavation of 14 trenches. Well-preserved organic deposits were recorded at depth in a large number of the investigative trenches and engineering holes. Evidence for a possible natural ridge extending south from the modern street, The Stonebow, towards the River Foss was also recorded as well as a possible natural valley or stream that flanked the south-west side of Hungate. This may have continued in use into the medieval period as a King’s Drain or perimeter ditch for the Carmelite Friary. In all but one of the trenches a sequence of deposits which dated from the Roman period to the present day was recorded. The features which were dated to the Roman period included a sandstone structure which may have been a culvert or a wall, a grave, a cobble surface associated with a ditch, possibly part of the Roman road leading from the south eastern gate of the fortress, and a number of pits and evidence of dumping in the River Foss. A cobble surface of the Anglian period and a number of contemporary dump deposits were located close to the northern edge of the site. Evidence of timber buildings fronting Hungate in the Anglo-Scandinavian period was found, with rubbish pits and dumping in the area to the rear of these buildings. Occupation in Hungate continued into the medieval period and the area to the east of the street appears to have remained open and was used for dumping and horticulture. The northern limits of the King's Fishpool were established. Evidence of two ecclesiastical buildings was recovered. Excavation revealed burials within the graveyard of the medieval parish church of St John in the Marsh together with possible remains of the church building. Structural elements, pits and dumps which were thought to relate to the Carmelite Friary included a substantial stone wall built in the 13th century which was interpreted as part of major terracing operation. Post medieval deposits included evidence of terraced houses, horticulture and industrial activity. Following the demolition of the parish church and the Dissolution of the Carmelite Friary, part of the site became open ground which was reflected in the build up of horticultural soil and dumps which sealed medieval features. A series of road surfaces thought to represent Hungate were also encountered. A dump of relatively clean material was thought to have related to the canalisation of the Foss. The remains of 19th century housing, some of it cellared, were found in most of the excavated trenches. These buildings were cleared in the 1930s and the site was occupied by buildings which were used for light industry. A territorial army depot and an ambulance depot were also constructed on the site. This development had truncated post medieval deposits over part of the site.

P0742 Hungate Development, Trench 33

See 2000.1-14 YORYM One of 14 individual site codes of the Hungate Development.

P0742 Hungate Development, Trench 11

See 2000.1-14 YORYM One of 14 individual site codes of the Hungate Development.

P0742 Hungate Development, Trench 1

See 2000.1-14 YORYM One of 14 individual site codes of the Hungate Development. See P0647.

P0726 5 Rougier Street

Archaeological deposits dating from the 13th/14th century to the 20th century were recorded within an area excavated for a lift shaft. The deposits included evidence for several phases of building on the site and appeared to relate to properties on Tanner Row or Tanner Street. The earliest deposits were a series of sands which may have formed floors within a 13th century building. By the late 14th or early 15th century the area was characterised by dumping and pit digging. Dumping of domestic rubbish continued into the 16th century before a building with stone foundations was constructed on the site. A brick surface dating from between the 16th - 18th century may either have been part of a garden path, or a floor within the structure. Subsequently the building was demolished and the area returned to use as a dumping ground. The foundations of what may have been an 18th century timber warehouse which was repaired or rebuilt in the 19th century, and may be the warehouse represented on the 1st edition OS map, 1852 were recorded. This warehouse was demolished in the 20th century and the area levelled used as a car park before it was occupied by the present office buildings in the 1980s.

P0594 Former Co-Op Warehouse, North Street

This watching brief recorded in section large sandstone blocks forming the floor of a post medieval warehouse, possibly the Ebor Warehouse which is marked on the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map, 1889. Below this abraded sherds of medieval and Roman pottery were recovered from undefined archaeological deposits.

P0558 Waterfront House, Terry Avenue

Brickwork observed in the course of this watching brief was interpreted a part of a warehouse shown on the 1937 OS map.

A0731 Wellington Row, new sewer

Cellars and demolition debris associated with 19th century warehouses was observed to a depth of 2.5m below ground surface beneath this a sandy clay sealed four timber piles.

A0193 Wigfalls warehouse, Aldwark

A photographic record of 19th century warehouses was made prior to their destruction.

A0159 Viking Hotel

Post-medieval stratification to a depth of 2m below ground surface comprised warehouse stone walls and wooden block floors, beneath which was dumped material interpreted as medieval reclaimed riverside land which sealed dumped organic deposits and alluvial sand. This stratification was observed from borehole cores which extended to a depth of 20m below ground surface.

A0730 Carmelite Street

Three trenches and a series of boreholes demonstrated that well-preserved dumped material of the late medieval and early post-medieval period sealed a medieval timber revetment presumably at the edge of the King's Fishpool. The undulating surface of natural deposits suggests a complex course for the early River Foss.

A0736 84 Piccadilly

"At considerable depth, c.2.90m AOD, deposits which confirmed occupation in the Anglian period and suggest structural activity in the Anglo-Scandinavian period were encountered. In the medieval period the whole site appears to have been flooded by the damming of the River Foss to supply water to the castle moat in 1069. The site was thus encompassed by the King's Fishpool, and allowed to silt up in the 14th and 15th centuries. Post-medieval deposits were primarily related to land reclamation activities of the Foss Navigation Company which was formed in 1793 to make and maintain a navigable communication. Modern deposits on the site show that it was used extensively for dumping ash and cinder waste which may have derived from industrial processes carried out close by, prior to its most recent use as a warehouse and car showroom."

A0276 Skeldergate, Pawsons Warehouse

The excavation encountered the 17th century building, a sugar refinery, known to have been located on the site. A furnace and rooms which contained lime used in the processing of sugar were recorded. The rear wall of the refinery was found to have been placed on the alignment of the 14th century river wall. Beneath dumping dated to the 16th century on the landward side of the river wall a medieval watergate was encountered.