York Historic Environment Record

Evaluation and excavation in two areas revealed a 10m stretch of fortress wall and a significant part of Interval Tower SW1. The position of Tower SW2 was also confirmed in several small trenches. Funded by Shepherd Construction Ltd. A watching brief was also carried out. NMR Microfilm Index PRN: 6147. As originally planned this consisted of the excavation of two 3m by 3m trenches to a maximum depth of 1.75m, one on the New Street frontage and the other in the southern angle of the site where it was to form the base of a new escalator pit. Excavation began on the trench adjacent to New Street and it quickly became apparent that we were digging through a mixture of pits, postholes, and slots associated with or part of a series of superimposed timber buildings on the site. These buildings appeared to front onto New Street which was only constructed in the mid 18th century. The excavated deposits and structures, however, were dated to between the 9th/l0th century and the early 13th century, suggesting that a narrow medieval lane or alley existed centuries before New Street was built. Elsewhere on the site demolition work had partially uncovered what appeared to be part of the Roman fortress wall, as well as timber posts and wicker fences, immediately reminding one of the Coppergate excavations. A decision was made therefore tore-site the second trench to investigate the wall and the adjacent timber structures which lay on the exterior of the wall. An area measuring 3m by 3m south of and butting the wall was duly examined, with some most interesting results. Although no coherent plan could be made from the timber remains, mainly due to the small area available, it soon became apparent that we were dealing with timber buildings of the early 13th century or earlier which had been built up against the fortress wall (INTERIM 1998). Sources: Britannia : a journal of Romano-British and kindred studies inc. consolidated index for volumes 1-25 (1970-1994) Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies 341 30/1999 York Archaeological Trust Marwood R/1997/Report on an archaeological watching brief at The Davygate Centre, Davygate, York. York Archaeological Trust annual report 10 26/1997-98