York Historic Environment Record

The watching brief recorded a number of limestone foundations uncovered during groundworks. These appeared to represent at least two buildings, or a building with two phases of construction of a probable medieval date. The foundations pre-dated the construction of the early 18th century no.9 Fenton House and nos. 4 and 8 High Petergate. Dating recovered from probable demolition deposits would appear to suggest a late medieval or post medieval date for demolition of the structures. The foundations appeared to be reasonably well constructed suggesting structures built for longevity and, supported by the findings of possible associated architectural stone, may suggest buildings of an administrative or opulent standing. The foundations may be associated with the 1960s discovery of a ‘fine masonry medieval well’ located just to the northeast below the northeast front room of no.9, however it does suggest evidence for residential presence within the plot pre-dating the early 18th century. Speed’s 1610 map indicates the site of a building on the plot, however it can only be speculative that the discovery of these foundations are associated with this building. Following recording of the exposed archaeology a small number of mini-piles (100mm diameter) were inserted to support a raft foundation. This ensured the in-situ preservation of the vast majority of archaeology within the footprint of the new extension.