York Historic Environment Record

An evaluation was carried out at the above address between 11th April and 16th May 2011. The area evaluated is a small yard, accessed from St Andrewgate, into which two trenches were excavated. Trench 1 was located on level concrete immediately behind 71-73 Goodramgate, to the south-east, measured 6m x 2m and was excavated to a depth of 1.25m below ground level (BGL). Trench 2 was positioned to the south-west, in a part of the yard surfaced with tarmac and sloping from west to east, measured 5m x 2m, and was excavated to a depth of 2m BGL in a reduced area 1.5m x 2m in the centre. The primary archaeological concern was the Roman fortress wall, projected to pass beneath the rear of 71-73 Goodramgate. The wall has been encountered in several places along this stretch between the north-east corner tower and the porta sinestra located in King’s Square, most recently in the 1980s excavations at the Bedern, and there was potential for significant information to survive pertaining to its construction sequence, usage and role in the developing landscape post-AD410. Additionally, previous archaeological activity in the area had identified well-preserved organic deposits of medieval date beneath nearby houses in St. Andrewgate, suggesting that significant information about the medieval landscape and environment could survive. NMR sources: Archaeological Trust Milsted I/2011/71-73 Goodramgate, York: evaluation/Report No 11/52. York Archaeological Trust Evans D & Milsted I/2012/71-73 Goodramgate, York: watching brief/Report No 11/41.