York Historic Environment Record

Large ditch/feature believed to be associated with St Nicholas Hospital. Seen during investigations at Laurens Manor (2006) and Bootham Engineering (2000) on Lawrence St. Evidence suggests it was created in the early 14th century and was backfilled by the late 14th century at Laurens Manor and by the 15th century at Bootham Engineering. Although it doesn't seem to have formed an absolute boundary little activity was identified beyond it during the Laurens Manor excavations. The fill consisted of fine clay-based silts laid down in water. Wooden structures associated with feature were noted at Bootham Engineering.

Interpretation is problematic. It is assumed to exceed 60m in length, exceeds 7.5m in width and is 2.5m deep. It seems unlikely to be a defensive feature and appears it was intended to hold w ater for a specific purpose. In both samples of the feature wooden structures were identified .These can be tentatively associated with the farming and breeding of young stock fish. The association with the monastic institution makes the suggestion of a fish-ditch more likely.

Mike Griffiths & Associates, 2000, Bootham Engineering Lawrence Street WSI (Unpublished document). SYO627.

FAS, 2006, Laurens Manor Lawrence Street, p31 (Unpublished document). SYO959.