York Historic Environment Record

The site lies within the core of the Roman colonia and medieval town. 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 three boreholes within the footprint of the proposed development, down to clearly glacial natural deposits. Two further boreholes were attempted but encountered concrete obstructions close to the modern ground surface so these were abandoned. The natural deposits were encountered in the three boreholes, at depths of 4.40m, 5.20m and 5.25m below ground level (BGL). The natural was overlain by thick archaeological deposits containing artefacts of Roman and medieval date. There was no evidence within the borehole cores to suggest the presence of substantial masonry buildings, such as concentrations of stone or ceramic building materials, or metalled surfaces. The Roman archaeology is sealed by in excess of 2m of medieval to modern deposits. Clearly modern deposits associated with the current car park and probable levelling for its construction were between 0.50m and 0.70m thick.