York Historic Environment Record

An archaeological watching brief was carried out on behalf of Hungate Regeneration Ltd during the instillation of piles across the extent of Block E . During the programme of works 443 piles were installed. In total 20 piles were monitored. These were arranged in two transects running on a northeast to southwest and northwest to southeast alignment respectively. In all of the monitored pile locations natural deposits were recorded at a variable depth, but generally found to be at between 5 and 7.5m below the current ground level. In all but one location the natural was found to be a firm mid orangey brown sandy clay, the exception revealed that the usual firm mid orangey brown sandy clay graded through to mid pinkish grey clay with moderate inclusions of small pebbles. Probable or possible alluvial deposits were encountered at all of the pile locations suggesting water flow, pooling and widespread occasional flooding across the area. Towards the top of the sequence later deposits were interpreted as Post-Medieval activity, largely accumulations of horticultural soil below dumps and levelling associated with 19th and 20th century occupation.