York Historic Environment Record

Phase 4- Timber Buildings (mid-late 11th century).
Evidence of domestic building constructed on the north end of the bank or platform described in phase 3 (H). Evidence for trench or beam slot that has been robbed out, with 6 stake holes in base and 4 other post holes. Evidence for a hearth inside the building and a possible smoke hood evident through presence of stake hole structure. Other stake holes present, possibly evidence of internal partitions or features. Location of the building on top of earth bank/platform is suggestive that this may possibly have been a gate-house into the city of Jorvik, although other interpretations suggest the height could be linked to flooding in the area.

Evidence for construction of a second hearth constructed to north east of first hearth which likely had gone out of use. Evidence of possible second hearth with presence of postholes.
To the west of this building, there is evidence for a series of other buildings towards the Walmgate frontage. Ocupation of this area of site may have continued from phase 2. Evidence of major new stake built building adjacent to Walmgate (I), extending over the site of buildings D and E (phase 1). Stake built wall demolished and new post-built building erected (J). Cobbled surface to the east of the building, possibly an alleyway or yard surface. Building demolished and evidence that area used for dumping.

Evidence for a further series of structural remains from two adjacent buildings consisting of wooden posts and postholes (K and L). Evidence of cobbled hearth, with suggestion that southern part of building may be a kitchen or domestic area. Occupation deposits present to the east of this, possibly forming an alleyway between buildings H and L. Further deposits and beam slot which may be interpreted as the western wall of an annex attached to the back of Building L. Deposit to the west may indicate a path between this building and a further area of occupation behind Building K to the west.

Series of occupation deposits was exposed at the limit of excavation truncated by a series of post-holes/beam slots or the robbing cuts for these although none were excavated. Number of post-holes south of building H, possibly a fenced off area, outbuilding or stockade to the east of ditch/gully. Large pit forming possible furnace structure. Various other postholes/stakeholes identified, although purpose unclear.

York Archaeological Trust, 2001, 41-49 Walmgate Assessment Report on an Archaeological Excavation Vol 2 (Unpublished document). SYO744.

York Archaeological Trust, 2001, 41-49 Walmgate Assessment Report on an Archaeological Excavation Vol 3 Context List (Unpublished document). SYO745.

York Archaeological Trust, 2001, Excavations at 41–49 Walmgate, Vol 1 (Unpublished document). SYO202.