York Historic Environment Record

An archaeological investigation was undertaken by On-Site Archaeology Ltd during development, at the former Macdonalds furniture shop, 19-22 Fossgate, York (Planning 15/02760/FUL). The development consisted of the conversion of the former retail showroom to restaurant with building extension to rear on enlarged footprint, and erection of four new dwellings with associated landscaping and resurfacing works. The archaeological investigation was predominantly concentrated upon the area of the new dwellings. The investigation revealed a good sequence of stratified deposits dating from the mid- 10th/11th centuries through to the 18th/19th centuries and included structures, property boundaries, pits and probable small scale metal-working activity. The earliest archaeological remains revealed were mid-10th/11th Anglo-Scandinavian organic deposits at unexpectedly relatively shallow depths within a passageway fronting onto Fossgate. These deposits were encountered below the present ground surface at c0.4m (10.5mAOD) and sloped down to c0.8m (9.97mAOD) towards Fossgate. At least two main phases of Anglo-Scandinavian activity were identified. The first phase comprised of two wattle lined pits and a succession of short-lived inter-cutting pits. The second phase was characterised by construction of at least three structures, probable buildings, represented by wooden sill beams and stony floor make up deposits. The three structures appeared to be a succession of buildings or modifications of the same property, which was defined by a boundary comprised of sequences of wattle fences. Following a hiatus possibly during the later 11th and 12th centuries a 13th/14th century structure appears within the sequence constructed using stone pads and rubble foundations. This was replaced by another structure during the 15th century that also consisted of stone pads and foundations. Probably during the late 15th century the area was levelled and a beam slotted structure associated with probable small-scale and short lived metal working activity was present. By the 16th century a probable brick oven occupied the area until levelling and construction of 18th/19th century structures.