York Historic Environment Record

Between the 28th June and the 3rd July York Archaeological Trust conducted an evaluation and building recording exercise in the basement of 1 Coffee Yard, York. The works involved the excavation and recording of a total of three test pits and a photographic record of the basement in which these were located. Significant archaeological deposits were observed, as anticipated, almost immediately below the extant floor of a significant proportion of the basement. Areas of disturbance in the form of a relatively recent non-archaeological excavation and underpinning from c.1900AD were also revealed during the work. The investigation of the standing structures of the basement suggests that the original form and fabric of the building survives almost intact. Virtually all subsequent additions overlaid or butted up against the floor and walls. Interesting elements such as a blocked doorway, lightwells, a tank/well and surface drain were all fully revealed. Any significant reduction of floor levels in the basement will require further archaeological excavation and recording. The fabric of the building indicates a long history of modification and repair, which should be considered as part of any decisions relating future use of the structure.