York Historic Environment Record

Phase 8- Mid-late 14th century buildings.
Evidence for extensive rebuilding of phase 7 building Q (becoming building S). Stake hole cluster suggestive of support for limestone post pads, forming a NE-SW aligned internal partition which may suggest that Building S was a passage house, with a c.2.3m wide passage on the eastern side of the house, extending back from the Walmgate street frontage. Presence of circular hearth of clay tile and pebbles west of the partition wall. Removal of postpads and stake clusters, with compact floors being laid down extending into the passageway. Deposits suggest a domestic use with minimal metal-working activity within building S. New post-pad made of cobbles and limestone fragments inserted east of original passageway, but suggestive of its rebuilding. Presence of new hearth of clay and edge set tiles, later sealed by a layer of charcoal. Further hearth constructed and small hearth of hot-plate of tiles also built.

Evidence for removal of the internal partition, and possible usage of building S for industrial purposes or storage. Insertion of post-holes and post-pads of unknown function, possibly an attempt to shore up the building which may have been in disrepair.

Evidence of alterations to phase 7 building P (now building T). Presence of length of walling parallel to Walmgate frontage constructed of crudely shaped limestone blocks and bonded with mortary sand. Possibly a repair or blocking of doorway. Building stretching back from Walmgate frontage.

In north western corner of phase 7 building R, thought to be a warehouse, alterations are also evident with addition of internal walls.
Possible presence of an exterior timber structure of unknown function shown by presence of post holes in the backyard area south of buildings S and T. Possible industrial activity such as tanning/horn working with presence of a large pit in yard area which contained timber lining and small posts. Second pit close by, with samples indicating that these may have been used as latrines although possibly had some industrial function previously.

Series of other pits located, again thought to be used for industrial processes before being filled with manure/cess. Three intercutting pits were also located at the southern edge of the excavation area, two being domestic rubish pits and the third a casting pit. Within the backyard area south of building R, a large pit and gully is evident close to the boundry wall line, with deposits suggesting it is identifable as a bosh, used in smithing, or as a tap pit for collecting slag from a furnace. Possible redefinition of the property boundary with presence of stake-holes.

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.