York Historic Environment Record

Between 22nd September and 3rd October 2005 York Archaeological Trust carried out an evaluation excavation at the premises of House and Son, 4 Ogleforth, York. This work was undertaken in advance of the submission of a proposal for re-development of the property. This involved the excavation and recording of two 2m x 2m trenches to a maximum depth of 1.5m below the modern ground level. The evidence from Trench 1 suggested a brief but intense period of complex structural and occupational activity in the immediate vicinity during the 14th century. Prior to this activity the site appears to have been open ground, an unusual occurrence considering the proximity of this trench to both the medieval city centre north-east of the Ouse and to the medieval street of Ogleforth. Structural activity seems to have restarted by the 18th century since when it has been continuous. The evidence from Trench 2 was also unusual in that prior to modern activity in the immediate vicinity of the trench there appears to have been no structural activity or occupation during the medieval and post-medieval periods. Only accumulation deposits and pits were recorded from this trench.