York Historic Environment Record

Monitoring of four window samples This survey formed part of Phase One of the Archaeological Evaluation at this site. It comprises a follow up to the borehole and window sample survey that was undertaken in March 1998 and for which a report has already been submitted. On this occasion four small diameter window samples were undertaken. These were drilled by Sub Soil Surveys of Astley, Manchester. Archaeological supervision was undertaken by On-Site Archaeology of York. The results of this survey, the previous survey and the hand dug evaluation trenches will be analysed and used, in consultation with the Principal Archaeologist, City of York Council, to refine the design of phase two of the evaluation. Conclusions The profile of natural on the site: The height at which the natural sequence as recorded in this group of samples has added little to the picture which emerged in the previous sampling exercise. The height of natural in the car park area below the city walls and to the side of Hudson House was recorded as 11.42m AOD at its lowest in window sample 5 and its highest at 12.89m AOD in borehole 4. These levels were recorded during the previous survey and the levels observed on this occasion lie within these two extremes. The evidence from Window Sample A is revealing. In the full 6 metres of material that was removed down to a level of 9.65m AOD, natural was not observed. This is clearly lower than elsewhere on the site and would imply the presence of a deeply cut feature of an archaeological nature. Beyond that it would be unwise to speculate. Deposit survival and period analysis: There can be little doubt that archaeological preservation on the site has been affected by the actions of the Victorian railway engineers in parts of the lower car park area. Elsewhere on the site all of the work carried out to date suggests that at least part of the archaeological sequence remains undisturbed. The central part of the area covered by the derelict workshops at the mid slope between the lower level of the site and Toll Green itself has sufficient depth of preservation to indicate that material of archaeological importance may be present. At the Toft Green end of the site the depth of deposition with archaeological potential indicates that a complete sequence remains undisturbed. NMR Description Evaluation of the derelict workshops between Hudson House and the City walls recorded surviving medieval stratigraphy in area of extensive railway disturbance. Building survey of the railway structures also carried out