York Historic Environment Record

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken at the former fire station, Clifford Street, York, between the 30th of June and the 24th of February 2016. Four trenches measuring approximately 3m2 and 1.25m deep were excavated using a 6 ton mechanical excavator. The features and deposits excavated relate to 19th century buildings and post-medieval gardens predating those structures. Those features and deposits identified are of low archaeological importance. A borehole survey consisting of 12 cored samples identified up to 2m of 19th and 20th century deposits followed by a further 1-2m of possible post-medieval garden soils and up to 2m of accumulated medieval deposits. Possible stone structures were identified on the interface between the garden soils and the medieval deposits. Below these, a further c.4-5m of banded re-worked and alluvial silts were identified. These contained preserved organic material, which could date from the Roman period onwards. These deposits have some potential for archaeological significance. An additional borehole survey consisting of three cored samples was undertaken on the 26th and 27th of May 2016 and has been followed by a six month programme of water level monitoring. The intention of this borehole survey was to locate and sample potential waterlogged organic deposits and assess their condition. This was undertaken with a view to inform future consideration of the design of proposed below-ground structures and piling.