York Historic Environment Record

On-Site Archaeology was commissioned by O'Neill Associates to carry out an archaeological evaluation by borehole survey in support of an application for planning permission to develop a redundant workshop building at 22 Toft Green, York. Archaeological desk-based assessment has identified that the site has high potential to contain archaeological deposits of Roman, medieval and post-medieval/early modern date. The borehole survey comprised the sinking of four boreholes within the redundant workshop, forming an approximately southeast to northwest transect perpendicular to Toft Green. Certain natural deposits were encountered in two of the boreholes, at depths of 1.80m and 2.50m below ground level (BGL). Probable natural deposits were encountered in another borehole at a depth of 5.50m BGL. Overlying deposits within this borehole included post-medieval artefacts to a depth of 2.80m BGL and medieval tile at a depth of 4.5m BGL, indicating the presence of a deep post-Roman intrusion. In the borehole located furthest away from the Toft Green frontage a substantial obstruction was encountered at a depth of 3.50m BGL. Inspection of the base of the coring equipment suggested that this comprised a large block of coarse sandstone, potentially Millstone Grit, suggesting the presence of a Roman masonry structure.