York Historic Environment Record

On-Site Archaeology was commissioned by S Harrison Developments Ltd to carry out an archaeological desk-based assessment in support of an application for planning permission to redevelop the site of the Herbert Todd & Son, 1 Percy's Lane, York. The site is located northeast of the street frontage of medieval Walmgate within an area known to contain archaeological features of Roman to medieval date. Cartographic evidence from the early 17th to mid 19th centuries shows the study area lay to the rear of the developed street frontage, close to the churchyard associated with St Margaret's Church. For the majority of this period the site was occupied by open agricultural or horticultural land. Later maps suggest that the site was developed more intensively during the 19th century when initially a single building was constructed in the southeast corner of the site. This was expanded by the mid 19th century and subsequently replaced by an industrial complex housing the Ebor Glass Works. Previous development and archaeological investigations on several sites in the immediate vicinity suggest that the uppermost 2m of deposits on the site are likely to be of 19th and 20th century date. Towards the southeast corner of the site the ground surface lies at a reduced level, relative to the adjacent street. The nature of the potential archaeology is not deemed sufficient to prevent development of the site but a programme of archaeological works would be needed. The proposed development will employ piled foundations to limit disturbance of anticipated archaeological deposits. Preliminary discussions have been held with the City of York Council Archaeologist who has agreed that archaeological evaluation trenching will only be required within the reduced level service yard located in the southeast corner of the site. This evaluation can be undertaken following determination of the planning application through the imposition of a condition and could be carried out prior to or following demolition of the existing buildings. A geotechnical investigation, comprising a borehole survey, is to be carried out. This will be subject to archaeological monitoring.