York Historic Environment Record

Before it was culverted in the late nineteenth century, a prominent topographical feature on the west side of York was the Burdyke. This is a water course which rises on Clifton Moor before running south-west behind what is now Burdyke Avenue. It then turns to run south-south-east along the west side of Water Lane. On Water Lane and at Clifton Green at the junction of the main road to the north-west, the A19, the valley of the Burdyke is clearly visible in the landscape. After crossing Clifton Green, the Burdyke can be traced along a footpath known as Love Lane as far as St Peter’s School playing fields which it then crosses to flow out into the Ouse. It is suggested here that the Burdyke had a significant role in determining the line of Roman roads as they approached York from the north-west.

Patrick Ottaway, 2023, The Burdyke and Roman roads approaching York from the north-west in relation to some recent watching briefs in Clifton (Unpublished document). SYO3029.