York Historic Environment Record

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by On-Site-Archaeology Ltd at Milner Hotel, York, prior to the development of a Bedroom Extension project. The evaluation comprised the excavation of a single evaluation trench that measured c.14m by c.5.3m on roughly a north to south orientation. The results of evaluation confirmed the presence of five Roman inhumations comprised of at least two confirmed adults and a probable juvenile interred within graves on northeast to southwest alignments. Another three probable grave cuts were identified one on a northwest to southeast alignment and two of which did not appear to have any inhumations present within the grave cuts. This may suggest removal of the inhumations either during the lifetime of the cemetery, impact by later agricultural activity or possibly by 19th century antiquarian investigations within the area. Two intercutting ditches were also recorded potentially dated to the Roman period along with a number of post holes possibly that possibly post-date the cemetery. The remaining features recorded are probably associated with post-medieval or early modern horticultural and 19th century landscaping associated with hotel. The investigation identified surviving in-situ archaeological deposits and features at between c.11.43m AOD to the south, (c.1m below the present carpark surface) and at 10.75m AOD to the north although cemetery graveyard soil was seen in section at this point at c.11.15m AOD, (c.1.5m below soft landscaping) of the evaluated area.