York Historic Environment Record

Phase 6- Late 12th-Early 13th century timber buildings, industrial activity 13th-14th century.
Evidence of 2 timber buildings (M and N) constructed on the Walmgate street frontage, parallel to it and side by side, probably built at the same time. Presence of cobbled road surface probably representing an earlier version of Walmgate, slightly wider than present day Walmgate. Wall built from limestone rubble and three re-used limestone ashlar masonry blocks, designed to support a timber framed building (M). Series of postholes which may be associated with the eastern wall of Building M. Evidence for a small post-built annex attached to building M. Presence of an early hearth in building M, with a clay, tile and pebble hearth within the annex, the size of which suggests that it may have been a kitchen or workshop.

The frontage of building N projected further into the street than M. Likely a timber-framed building,with remains of a clay hearth, with occassional tiles and cobbles. Dump layers containing charcoal and slag suggest that the working area seems to be used for metal working, with possible anvil base located. A further hearth was also located, constructed of edge set tile, with slag deposits suggesting this was also used for metalworking. Presence of a probable robber cut for a hearth in south-west corner of building N. Post holes suggesting a likely annex to the back of building N.

Several cobbled surfaces located on site which represent earlier versions of the street. Post-holes located in south-east corner of site probably representing a fence or outbuilding.
Robber trench possibly dug to remove front wall material of building N. Suggested partial or complete demolition of both buildings, with pits truncating building M floor deposits containing domestic rubbish.

Evidence of building O, a stake-built structure on top of dumps where building M had been. Initially formed as a double screen or windbreak, with a large circular pit containing domestic rubbish, later formed into a sub-square structure. Evidence of industrial activity in building O in form of a small industrial pit, possibly a metal working furnace. Hearth of sandy clay and tile to the south-west of building O, possibly related to metal working activities in O, with two more probable large scale industrial hearths later replacing this.
Series of stakeholes suggesting a rough fence line on eastern side of site, probably a property boundary.
Presence of domestic pits and two sub-rectangular pits, possibly for industrial purposes.
Evidence for further industrial activity in form of oval shaped sunken feature, probably a work area, which may have been rudimentarily roofed and thatched, perhaps with the sides left open.

13th century cobbled surface probably representing a yard present to the south-west of building O, quickly replaced with a newer cobbled surface. Cobbled levelling deposit after demolition of building O. Building N also likely demolished.

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.