York Archaeological Trust
Twenty-three further probe-holes (or window samples) were sunk to investigate the depth of deposits and the level of contamination of the strata across the proposed development area (Figure 2). All of the probe-holes were cored to a maximum depth of 6.00m below the present ground surface. Some (namely ws1, ws2, ws4, ws8, ws9, ws11, ws12, ws14, ws16 ws18, ws19, and ws22) had perforated plastic tubing inserted within them after coring, to monitor hydro-carbon gas emission levels from the deposits and the ground water levels. The following probe-hole logs give approximate depths and descriptions of deposits in chronological order from the bottom up. An attempt has been made to relate the deposits observed to either natural or anthroprogenic processes.
The probe-hole was cored to 4.10m AOD and was positioned in the former petrol station entrance on The Stonebow. Natural glacial deposits were reached at 4.60m AOD and consisted of banded light yellow through mid orange brown to light grey sandy clay (31018).
The first archaeological deposit was a possible fluvial or colluvial deposit of light to mid grey clay sand (31017) with occasional greenish brown sand streaks and charcoal flecks which was encountered at 5.15m AOD. This may have formed in a valley or gully cutting through the glacial ridge to the west. Sealing this were three possible dumps or leveling deposits (31014-16) located at 5.85m AOD. These consisted of sticky silty clays, the colour varying from a dark grey brown to a mid orange brown, which contained occasional charcoal and sand flecks and angular gravel. A second thick layer of possible waterborne material consisting of dark grey clay sand (31013) sealed the earlier deposits at 6.70m AOD. Four thin deposits that may have been derived from occupation of the area were then recovered. These were encountered in the probe-hole at 7.08m AOD and consisted of compact mid orange brown sandy clay (31012); golden yellow coarse sand (31011); gravel, pebbles and occasional limestone fragments in a matrix of greenish brown silty sand (31010); and finally lenses of dark brown to black organic matter (31009). Further possible waterborne material that may have silted up in a localised feature such as a perimeter ditch for the Carmelite Friary precinct or a narrow gully descending from the glacial ridge sealed the earlier occupation activity from 8.35m AOD. This consisted of soft, wet, sticky silty sands and sandy silts (31006-7) varying in colour from mid grey brown through greenish grey to dark grey. Two thin dumps then covered these wet deposits at 8.60m AOD consisting of mid greenish brown sandy silt (31005) with occasional charcoal and mortar flecks; and brick and tile fragments in a matrix of dark greenish grey sandy silt (31005). A thick build-up of dark grey brown sandy clay silt (31003) containing occasional mortar, brick, tile, limestone, coke, coal and charcoal fragments and flecks sealed the dumps at 9.66m AOD. This contained a sherd of Humber ware pottery dateable to the 15th century and may have been formed by horticultural activity or the dumping of rubbish to level off the postulated perimeter ditch once the Carmelite Friary went out of use. Modern hard-core and tarmac sealed the probe-hole at 10.10m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to a depth of 4.44m AOD and was positioned at the north-western end of the former petrol station fore-court, close to car showroom. The earliest deposits located within the probe-hole were glacial in origin and were located at 4.94m AOD. These consisted of mid orange brown gravel and sand with sandy gritty clay (32016) and stiff dark brownish red silty clay (32015).
Sealing the glacial deposits were massive dumps of material (32012-14) which raised the ground level in the area to 7.94m AOD. These consisted of stiff compact sandy clays which varied in hue from mid brown through mid orange brown to reddish orange brown. The two lower deposits (32013-14) contained occasional coal fragments, charcoal and burnt clay flecks, whereas the upper (32012) also contained occasional brick, tile, mortar and limestone fragments. It is suggested that these deposits were used to backfill a valley or gully running off the glacial ridge from north-west to south-east, or possibly a large clay pit in the vicinity, and that the dumping activity may be dateable to the Roman period.
Two possible further dump deposits of a different character then sealed the earlier activity from 8.74m AOD and may have been laid down to raise the ground level further. These consisted of a mid greenish brown sandy gritty clay (32011) and a dark grey gritty silt (32010), both of which contained occasional mortar, brick and tile fragments. Above this a sequence of six interleaved dump deposits with demolition or construction material was recovered from 9.70m AOD. This may indicate successive phases of construction and levelling activity, perhaps associated with buildings on the medieval and post-medieval Hungate street front. Initially a layer of brick and tile fragments with friable lime based creamy white mortar (32009) 0.20m thick was recovered. This may indicate the presence of a wall, floor or demolition activity in the area. This was sealed by a dump of mid greenish brown slightly sandy silty clay (32008) of a similar thickness. Loose friable mortar within a matrix of dark grey gritty silt (32007) and up to 0.45m thick (containing two sherds of slipware pottery dateable to the 17th or 18th century) was then laid down prior to a thin dump or build-up of dark grey brown gritty silt (32006). A thin layer of reddish orange tile mortared with a creamy white lime based mortar (32005) was then encountered at 9.70m AOD which may correlate with a wall or floor of post-medieval date. Finally a thick dump of dark grey brown ashy sandy silt (32004) located at 10.16m AOD, which contained occasional to moderate shell, brick, tile, coal and ash fragments, sealed the earlier construction activity and was probably dateable to the post-medieval or modern periods. A modern concrete surface (32003) then sealed this final dump, followed by a layer of crushed limestone hard-core (32002) and a layer of tarmac (32001) at 10.44m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to a depth of 5.23m AOD and was located inside the car repair workshop, on the south side of The Stonebow. Natural deposits of glacial origin were reached at 8.48m AOD and consisted of soft moist, orange brown slightly clay sand and silty sand (33022 and 33019), stiff mid brown and red brown laminated sandy clay (33021 and 33018), firm mid orange brown clay sand (33020), and laminated mid orange, orange brown, grey brown and light grey very sandy clay (33017).
The earliest archaeological deposit was a mid grey brown sandy clay (33016) located at 9.23m AOD which contained occasional rust brown sandy silt and charcoal flecks, fragments of pottery (Roman greyware) and tile. This has been interpreted as a Roman dump or levelling deposit. Sealing this was a sequence of five interleaved backyard type deposits of possible medieval date located at 9.78m AOD. Initially a dump of mottled mid greenish brown silty clay was laid down, prior to a thin layer of compact mid pinkish orange clay sand (33014) that may have formed part of a hearth base. Overlying this were two further dumps consisting of (33013) a very similar material to (33015) followed by a mid brown silty clay (33012). These were then sealed by a second possible hearth base composed of mottled banded mid pinkish brown sandy clay (33011). A thick dump of dark grey silty clay with moderate mortar, brick and tile fragments (33010) then raised the ground level to 10.36m AOD. Covering this dump deposit from 10.68m AOD was a further series of possible thin occupation layers that may be dateable to the post-medieval period. The sequence included thin interleaved layers of mottled mid brown gritty clay (33009) with moderate burnt clay, charcoal and mortar flecks; white, creamy white and greenish brown mortar (33004, 33006, 33008); brick, tile and mortar rubble (33007); and dark grey gritty ashy silt (33003 and 33005). The deposits appeared very ‘dirty’ which would suggest that they were linked with industrial processes within backyards or outbuildings. A final dump of mid greenish brown clay silt (33002) then sealed the area at 10.86m AOD prior to the laying down of a reinforced concrete floor (33001) at 11.23m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to a depth of 5.23m AOD and was situated at the south-western entrance to the car repair work-shop, fronting on to Dundas Street (close to probe-hole 5 from phase 1 of the site investigations (Macnab 1999a)). The earliest deposits retrieved in the probe-hole were of natural glacial origin, the top of natural being situated at 9.83m AOD. These deposits consisted of laminated stiff red brown slightly silty clay (34013 and 34015), mid orange brown coarse sand (34014), banded red, orange brown and light blue grey sands and clays (34012), and stiff reddish orange brown and brownish yellowish orange silty and sandy clays (34010 and 34011).
The earliest archaeological deposit, located at 9.93m AOD, was a thin layer of stiff mottled mid grey brown to orange brown slightly sandy silty clay (34009) which contained occasional oyster shell, brick and tile fragments and charcoal flecks. This has been interpreted as a dump of Roman date. Sealing this from 10.48m AOD were two deposits that may relate to early medieval dumping or agriculture. Both consisted of compact stiff mid orange brown sandy clay silt (34007-8) varying only in their inclusions - the lower containing moderate orange sand spotting and charcoal flecks as well as a sherd of 11th or 12th century gritty ware pottery, and the upper containing moderate charcoal and occasional mortar, brick and tile fragments. Three dumps or build-ups of material were then laid down from 10.73m AOD, possibly in the late medieval or early post-medieval periods. They consisted of compact mid to dark brown sandy and clay silts (34004-6). The lowest of these deposits (34006) contained occasional brick, tile, mortar, coal and ash fragments which probably indicates a domestic source for the material. A post-medieval dump or build-up of compact dark grey sandy silt (34003) then sealed the earlier deposits at 10.90m AOD. In addition to the inclusions stated above within (34006) it also contained some coke fragments. Modern hard-core (34002) and reinforced concrete (34001) finally sealed the area at 11.23m AOD.
The probe-hole (ws5) was cored to 0.65m below the ground surface through a dark brown silty sand (13001 and 13002) and a concrete surface (13003) when a mortared wall was encountered. Probe-hole 5 (ws5) was abandoned at this point and repositioned (ws5A). This new probe-hole position was cored to 4.28m AOD just to the south-west of the Derwent Coachworks re-spray workshop. The earliest deposits observed were of glacial and post-glacial origin, the top of natural being located at 8.13m AOD. The glacial deposit consisted of a compact mid orange brown slightly sandy clay (13014). A soft fine grained sand (13013) of a similar hue and a compact mid brownish orange clay sand (13012) then sealed the glacial clay and may represent post-glacial alluvial or fluvial natural deposits.
At 8.28m AOD a mid grey brown sandy clay (13011) was observed. It contained occasional flecks of charcoal and may represent a layer of disturbed natural material. This was sealed by a layer of dark brown sandy clay (13010) 0.22m thick, which may represent a buried agricultural or horticultural soil. Above this a dump or levelling deposit of slag and coke (13009) 0.28m thick was located possibly representing post-medieval industrial use of the site. A dark brown silty clay (13008) with moderate limestone and mortar fragments then sealed the industrial deposit at 8.99m AOD and may represent further dumps and leveling deposits, possibly including the demolition or robbing of the medieval church of St. John the Baptist for building materials. Demolition material including cobbles, slag, mortar, brick and tile fragments (13007) in a matrix of dark grey brown sandy grit then were dumped on the site probably to raise the ground surface prior to the construction of a cobbled surface (13006) at 9.68m AOD. Modern dumps of dark grey brown sandy silt and dark red brown ash (13004-5) then sealed the cobbled surface and raised the ground level to its present height of 10.28m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to 4.08m AOD and was located close to Palmer Lane to the south-west of the Derwent Coachworks re-spray workshop. The earliest deposits encountered at 7.58m AOD were of glacial origin and consisted of mixed mid orange angular and rounded gravels in a fine orange sand (14010), compact tenacious mid orange brown sandy clay (14009) and banded mid orange brown silty sands and clays with mid grey streaks of clay (14008). Above this two thin layers of alluvium of uncertain date formed from 7.68m AOD consisting of mid grey fine sand (14007) and mid orange brown sandy silt (14006).
Sealing these natural deposits was a thick dump of limestone and mortar fragments in a matrix of dark grey brown gritty silt (14005) with occasional bone, brick and tile fragments which appeared from 8.78m AOD. This may represent either a dump of demolition material from the medieval church of St. John the Baptist which is thought to have been located within the vicinity or reclamation activity of post-medieval date using this demolition material. A thin layer of dark grey brown sandy silt (14004) then sealed the reclamation or demolition material and formed a bedding for a possible surface made of creamy lime based sandy mortar (14003) located at 8.91m AOD. A thick mixed modern dump of mottled dark grey brown silty sand and sandy silt (14002) with moderate mortar, concrete, brick, tile, ash and slag fragments then sealed the surface. Dark red brown sandy silt (14001) formed a modern topsoil over this area of the site and levelled up the present ground surface to 10.08m AOD.
This probe-hole was excavated to 4.09m AOD and was situated close to Dundas Street on a track between two buildings. The earliest deposit encountered was of natural origin and consisted of compact mid orange brown silty clay (15007) with patches of golden yellow silty sand. This was first encountered at 8.59m AOD and formed the only naturally derived glacial deposit within the probe.
Sealing this from 8.91m AOD were two deposits consisting of a very compact mid brownish orange silty clay (15006) with occasional charcoal and small brick and tile fragments and a mixed lensed dark grey brown and orange brown silty clay (15005). These were 0.14m and 0.18m thick respectively and may represent dumps of Roman material associated with industrial activity to the north-west. A soft dark grey brown gritty clay silt (15004) with occasional mortar and charcoal flecks and rounded gravel, and a dark brown sandy silt (15003) with frequent limestone and mortar fragments then sealed the possible Roman dumps from 9.29m AOD. These may represent medieval and post-medieval build-ups, dumps and possible demolition activity associated with the medieval church and cemetery of St. John the Baptist, thought to have been located in the vicinity. A modern dump of slag (15002) then raised the ground surface to 9.69m AOD and formed a hard-core base for a very compact dark brown sandy silt (15001) with moderate gravel, mortar and limestone fragments which was a modern track surface at 10.09m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to a depth of 3.64m AOD and was positioned at the north-eastern end of the former builders yard, now a private car park for Henlys car repair workshop, off Palmer Lane. Natural glacial deposits were the earliest material extracted from the probe-hole, the top of which was reached at 4.64m AOD. These consisted of stiff laminated mid orange brown silty clay (25015) with golden sand dusting in the laminae and coarse grained orange brown sand (25014).
Covering the glacial material were two thick deposits formed by fluvial sedimentation and located from 5.78m AOD. These consisted of banded finely coarsed silty sands (25012-13) varying in colour from orange brown through light to dark grey. Above this a sequence of three dump deposits were laid down from 6.39m AOD, probably into standing water and these may correlate with a medieval attempt to reclaim land from the King’s Fishpool. Initially a mid greenish brown sandy silt (25011) containing moderate decayed wood fragments was dumped. This was sealed by banded dark brown to black organic matter, clay, bone and organic greenish brown clay silts (25010) which covered the area prior to a soft dark grey brown organic silt (25009) with occasional decayed wood and bone fragments being dumped. A very dark grey gritty silt (25008) then formed from 6.84m AOD. This may correspond better with alluvial deposition rather than dumping. Two further deposits (25006-7) which were found in the probe-hole from 7.24m AOD and which consisted of mid greenish brown clay sand and very soft wet mid to light greenish brown sandy silt, may also correlate with further alluviation or further dumps into standing water/marshy ground.
Covering the area from 7.54m AOD was a dump of dark grey brown organic sandy silt (25005) which contained occasional brick, tile and bone fragments. This would appear to have been a more successful attempt to reclaim land from the Fishpool probably in the late medieval or early post-medieval period. Thick modern dumps of dark grey brown ashy silt, brick, tile and mortar fragments and sticky dark grey brown ashy sandy silt (25002-4) which also contained slag, glass and coke fragments then raised the ground level in the area up to 9.54m AOD. The whole area was then sealed by modern hard-core consisting of crushed limestone (25001).
The probe-hole was cored to a depth of 3.75m AOD and was situated at the south-eastern end of the former builders yard (mentioned in 4.1.8) close to the River Foss. Glacial deposits were not reached, the earliest material located at 3.90m AOD relating to fluvial silting. This consisted of a dark grey silty sand (24010) with frequent large angular gravel.
Above this thick dumps of domestic and demolition material of probable late medieval or early post-medieval date built up in an attempt to reclaim land from this area of the King’s Fishpool. These appeared in the probe-hole from 6.65m AOD and consisted of dark brown to black organic clay silt (24009) 1.05m thick, with occasional mortar and charcoal flecks and oyster shell; small to large brick and tile fragments in a matrix of dark grey silty gritty sand (24008) 1.35m thick; and a dark brown gritty organic clay silt (24007) 0.35m thick, with moderate mortar, brick, tile and oyster shell fragments. Sealing this deposit from 8.93m AOD was a series of late post-medieval or early modern dumps which were utilized to raise the ground level, perhaps when the River Foss was canalised. These included mixed lensed dumps of rubble, mortar, brick and tile fragments, reddish orange burnt clay, coal ash, red brown silty clay, dark grey ashy silty sand, and reddish purplish brown ashy sand (24003-6). A levelling layer of black ash and slag (24002) then sealed the area prior to the laying of a modern concrete surface (24001) at 9.75m AOD.
The probe-holes were each cored to depths of 7.20m AOD (ws10) and 5.00m AOD (ws10A) respectively. Both hit obstructions at these depths and were abandoned. These will be analysed together as they contained similar deposits and were situated quite close to each other in the grounds of Derwent Coachworks near the bank of the River Foss. Natural deposits were not reached in either of the probes.
The earliest archaeological deposit located at 5.00m AOD in ws10A was solid hard waterlogged wood (19012) possibly indicating the presence of a large timber built wharf which may be of medieval or post-medieval date. This was sealed by a series of five occupation type deposits which appeared in the probe-hole at 5.70m AOD. These consisted of interleaved layers of dark grey to black gravel in a matrix of sandy silt (19007, 19009 and 19011) which may have acted as surfaces and mid red brown silty clay (19008 and 19010) which may have acted as levelling deposits. These would appear to indicate that the earlier possible wharf structure which they sealed was superseded by another, closer to the line of the present river. A thick layer of dark grey organic sandy silt (19006) located at 6.20m AOD and containing frequent charcoal flecks, decayed wood fragments and rounded gravel then accumulated or was dumped over the area. A thick dump of mid grey brown silty gritty sand (19005) containing moderate to frequent rounded and angular gravel and occasional mortar, brick and tile fragments, charcoal flecks and orange sandy clay spotting raised the ground level to 7.70m AOD. This may correlate with the canalisation of the River Foss in the late 18th or early 19th century. A large block or cobble of sandstone within this material stopped ws10 at 7.20m AOD. In ws10 a localised layer of mottled mid orange and mid brown silty sand (19004) sealed the top of this dump. Mixed dark grey brown sandy loam (19003) with similar inclusions to (19005) but also including plastic, glass, ash, slag, coal and wood fragments then further raised the ground level again to 9.00m AOD. A brick floor (19002) sealed this levelling deposit at 9.10m AOD and was covered with modern topsoil (19001) at 9.70m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to 3.41m AOD and was situated at the south-eastern end of a rough roadway or track linking Hungate to a private car park within a partially demolished building. The earliest deposit encountered was glacial in origin and was found at 4.41m AOD. It consisted of compact dense laminated mid red brown silty clay (22013) with fine golden sand dusting between the laminae. This was sealed from 5.84m AOD by a series of four definite and one possible deposits of fluvial origin. These consisted of light yellowish brown fine to medium coarsed sand and silty sand (22009-10 and 22012), banded light grey and mid red brown sands and clays (22011) and a mid grey brown silty sand (22008) with moderate to frequent sub angular and rounded gravel.
A sequence of three dumps was then laid down, located at 6.71m AOD within the probe-hole. These consisted of mid grey brown to black sandy silts, organic sandy silts and silty sands (22005-7). The primary dump (22007) contained moderate to frequent brick and tile fragments, and probably indicates an attempt to consolidate the area prior to further reclamation.
Overlying the reclamation dumps to 6.91m AOD was a thin deposit of mid yellow brown silty sand (22004), which may be a further reclamation dump, a surface or simply alluvium. A very thick modern dump of compact mid grey silty ashy sand (22003) which contained moderate to frequent mortar, slag, brick and tile fragments and red brown clay with sand flecks then raised the ground level considerably to 8.76m AOD. Brick rubble hard-core (22002) and tarmac (22001) then finally levelled the area up to 9.46m AOD.
This probe-hole was cored to 3.46m AOD and was situated towards the north-east end of Carmelite Street, in the entrance way between two buildings. Deposits of glacial origin were located within the probe-hole, the top of these being situated at 4.36m AOD. They consisted of stiff dense mid orange slightly clayey sand (23016), mid orange coarse gravel (23015) and medium coarse sand (23014). These were overlain by a series of three definite and one possible fluvial deposits which were encountered at 6.74m AOD. Initially a thick deposit of banded mid brown to dark grey fine silty sand (23013) accumulated. This was sealed by further thick banded deposits of silty sand (23012) and organic silty sands (23011) which varied in colour from pink through mid green brown to dark grey. A mid to dark green sandy silt (23010) with occasional charcoal flecks and angular gravel was the uppermost possible fluvial deposit within this sequence although this may have been a dump into standing water/marshy ground.
Two possible reclamation dumps were encountered in the probe-hole from 7.06m AOD. These consisted of soft moist dark grey organic sandy clay silt (23009) 0.14m thick and dark greenish brown slightly gritty clay silt (23008) 0.18m thick and were apparently laid down to reclaim the marshy edge of the King’s Fishpool. These were sealed from 8.41m AOD by two thick dumps of domestic material consisting of sticky moist mid grey brown silty clay (23007) 0.80m thick and a stiff dark grey sandy clay silt (23006) 0.55m thick. Two probable post-medieval dump deposits then raised the ground level further to 9.06m AOD. The primary deposit consisted of a mid to dark greenish brown silty sand (23005) and contained inclusions hinting also at a domestic source for the material including occasional decayed wood, clay pipe, mortar, brick and tile fragments and charcoal flecks. The second was a dark grey to grey brown gritty sandy silt (23004) with similar inclusions to (23005) as well as coke, iron fragments and oyster shell. A mixed dark grey gritty silt (23003) 0.07m thick was probably disturbed during the laying of hard-core (23002) for a modern concrete surface (23001) at 9.46m AOD.
This probe-hole was cored to 3.39m AOD and was positioned to the south-west of Hungate in a car-park to the rear of a shop on The Stonebow. The earliest deposits encountered were of glacial origin and included mid bright orange fine grained sand with coarse gravel (16024) and stiff mid orange and pinkish orange brown clay sand (16023). The upper surface of these deposits was situated at 4.89m AOD. Sealing this was a series of three deposits. The earliest was a soft moist laminated light grey and red brown clay sand (16022) 0.40m thick. This was overlain by a dark grey organic silty clay (16021) 0.10m thick, which was subsequently sealed by a mottled mid brown sandy silt with dark grey and light grey sandy silt banding (16020) which contained occasional lenses of dark grey organic silty clay. None of the above deposits contained any dating evidence. They have been interpreted as river silts from the Roman to the medieval period and were located within the probe from 5.66m AOD.
Above this a series of eight deposits of a very organic nature built-up and may represent attempts at reclamation and occupation of this low-lying area. Initially two dumps of black organic slightly sandy silt (16019) and dark brown organic clay silt (16018) were dumped in the area. These were 0.13m and 0.2m thick respectively and may have been dumped to reclaim wet low-lying land prior to a thin layer of red brown organic matter (16017) mostly reed or thick grass stems being laid down as a bedding deposit for a possible surface. The latter consisted of dark grey organic gritty silt (16016) with moderate angular gravel and was located at 6.09m AOD. Four further interleaved deposits of red brown organic clay silt or gritty silt (16015 and 16013) or dark grey organic gritty silt or gritty clay silt (16014 and 16012) then built the ground level up to a height of 6.64m AOD. These may be interpreted as further dumps or build-ups of organic material either through occupation of the area or as further attempts to raise the ground level.
Two thick dumps of material then sealed the earlier organic material from 7.54m AOD. The first consisted of soft moist mid grey brown slightly sandy silt (16011) which was sealed by mid to dark grey brown gritty clay silt (16010) with occasional charcoal and mortar flecks. These were 0.40m and 0.50m thick respectively and suggest further attempts to raise the ground level in the area, although the second deposit may represent a buried horticultural soil. A thin band of brick tile and mortar fragments (16009) then separated these dumps from a mottled grey gritty silty clay (16008) which contained moderate mortar fragments and frequent charcoal and coal flecks. This was located at 7.89m AOD and may represent further dumping activity in the area in the late medieval or post-medieval period. Three possible interleaved levelling, floor and demolition deposits consisting of sticky mid orange brown silty clay (16007 and 16005) and a layer of mortar, brick and tile fragments (16006) then built the area up to 8.64m AOD. These may represent post-medieval floor surfaces and demolition deposits associated with outbuildings possibly behind buildings fronting onto Hungate. Modern hard-core layers (16004 and 16002) were then laid down prior to the laying of two concrete surfaces (16003) and (16001) which levelled the area off at 9.39m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to 3.45m AOD and was situated to the north-east of Garden Place, in the same private car park as ws12 but further to the south-west. Natural deposits appeared from 4.45m AOD and consisted of coarse small to medium gravel (18017), stiff orange clay (18016), mid orange coarse grained sand (18015) and compact dense laminated mid orange silty sand (18015). No alluvial deposits were observed within the probe which made it unusual for the area (see 4.1.15 also).
The earliest archaeological deposits, located from 5.85m AOD, consisted of three thick layers of silty and sandy clays (18011-13) which varied in colour from mid grey to mid orange brown. These may represent part of a riverside or defensive bank, or dump of material from clay extraction close by. They were sealed at 6.64m AOD by a thick layer of soft dark grey clay silt (18010) which may have been formed by dumping, or land reclamation close to the river edge or into standing water. Four possible surfaces then were laid down raising the ground level to 7.20m AOD. These consisted of dark greenish gravelly organic sandy silt (18009), reddish brown gritty silty clay (18009), dark greenish grey sandy silt (18007) and a layer of degraded sandstone fragments (18006). Three thick dumps then further raised the ground level to 8.83m AOD. The first two consisted of dark greenish grey slightly sandy silty clay (18004-5) the lower of the two deposits containing frequent limestone fragments. The third was soft sticky dark grey brown slightly gritty organic clay silt (18003) which contained a sherd of marbled slipware dateable to the 18th or 19th century. Modern hard-core (18002) and concrete (18001) then raised the ground level to 9.45m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to 4.02m AOD and was positioned in a yard to the north-east of Garden Place and behind shops fronting on to The Stonebow. No natural or riverine deposits were recovered from this probe-hole which made it unusual for the area. All of the deposits appeared to derive from either occupation or dumping activity. The earliest recovered was a sequence of seven possible occupation deposits of uncertain date. A very compact dense dark grey organic silty clay (17029) over 0.19m thick was sealed by a thin layer of soft dark grey to black gritty organic silt (17028) which may represent an accumulation of occupation material on a clay floor. A thin layer of brick and tile fragments (17027) was then laid down as a levelling deposit for a second possible floor consisting of (17026), a similar material to (17029). Angular gravel (17025) was then laid down to form a further surface prior to the accumulation of a dark brown very organic clay silt (17024) which contained hazelnut fragments. Compact dark grey brown organic silty clay (17023) containing occasional pebbles and yellow sand flecks then formed the final possible surface which was located at 4.94m AOD.
Three thick dump deposits then raised the ground level to 6.02m AOD. These consisted of sticky dark brown to grey organic clay silts or gritty silts (17020-22) which varied in thickness from 0.27m to 0.50m and contained occasional decayed wood and bone fragments, charcoal, red burnt clay and mortar flecks and patches of light grey clay in varying concentrations. Above this a further series of six possible occupation deposits then built up. The earliest of these consisted of a moist dark grey silty sandy gravel (17019) 0.07m thick, which contained very small brick and tile fragments. This was sealed by a similarly hued moist gritty silt (17018) 0.13m thick, which may have accumulated on the gravel surface. Four thin possible floor deposits were then laid down. These consisted of dark brown organic sandy silt with patches of mid grey silty clay (17017), brick and tile fragments in a matrix of mid brown gritty silty clay (17016), mid orange brown silty clay (17015) and mid grey slightly sandy clay (17014). They raised the ground level to 6.41m AOD. A change in deposition processes then occurred and four organic layers were laid down. Dark greenish brown very organic slightly sandy silt (17013) with frequent thick grass or reed stems was recovered and may represent animal fodder, bedding or manure. This was sealed by dark grey brown organic slightly sandy clay silt (17012) which contained occasional brick, tile and limestone fragments and mortar and charcoal flecks possibly indicating a dump of domestic material. A thin layer of black organic material and coal fragments (17011) and a dark green brown deposit (17010) of similar composition to (17012) then sealed the earlier dumps from 6.97m AOD representing further backyard accumulations.
Four levelling dumps of brick and tile rubble (17009 and 17007), sticky dark grey gritty clay silt (17008) and mid grey brown gritty sandy clay (17006) then raised the ground level to 9.02m AOD. A possible mortared brick floor or the rough foundation of a wall (17005) was then constructed, the top of which was located at 9.22m AOD. Sealing this was a demolition deposit of loose brick and mortar rubble (17004) up to 0.32m thick. Two concrete surfaces (17003 and 17001) and hard-core (17002) then formed the modern ground surface at 10.02m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to 2.89m AOD and was positioned in a yard to the south-west of a second-hand furniture warehouse on the south-eastern side of Carmelite Street. Natural deposits of glacial origin appeared from 3.86m AOD and consisted of stiff red brown laminated clay (4029), banded coarse orange sand, sandy gravel and stiff red brown clay (4028) and very compact orange sandy gravel (4027).
Above this a long sequence of thirteen alternating fluvial, alluvial, dumping and land reclamation deposits formed which raised the ground level in the area to 6.79m AOD. The earliest of these was a possible fluvial deposit consisting of a light brownish grey gravelly gritty silty sand (4026) 0.15m thick. This was sealed by a dump of stiff dark grey silty clay (4025) prior to a second river deposit of dark brown silty sand (4024) 0.45m thick which appeared at 4.66m AOD. Two dumps consisting of stiff light to mid greenish grey silty clay (4023) and loose mortar fragments (4022) were then laid down prior to a further fluvial deposit (4021) which was very similar to (4024) and formed at 5.16m AOD. Reclamation dumping then continued, the first deposit (4020) being very similar to (4023). This was followed by sticky mid grey and black organic sandy or gritty silts and clay silts (4014, 4017 and 4019), firm dark grey and mid grey brown silty clays (4015 and 4018) and dark greenish grey slightly sandy silt (4016) which all raised the ground level to 6.79m AOD. The majority of these deposits contained brick, tile, bone and shell fragments, organic matter, charcoal, green sand, grey clay and limestone flecks and gravel in varying concentrations, indicating that demolition rubble and household waste was being used to reclaim the King’s Fishpool in the late medieval or early post-medieval periods.
A drain was located at 7.29m AOD its base being constructed of brick and tile fragments bonded with a mixed orange gritty sand (4013). This was sealed by dark grey brown gritty silt (4012) and a very wet deposit consisting mostly of brick, tile and mortar fragments (4011) indicating that it had been purposely backfilled or blocked up. Eight further dumps of post-medieval or modern date were then recovered, which raised the ground level to 8.45m AOD. These consisted of mid to dark grey and grey brown gritty silty clays, clay silts and sandy silts (4003, 4007, 4008, 4010), crushed brick and tile fragments (4009), mortar (4006), coke (4005) and pea grit (4004). Modern hard-core then raised the ground to its present level of 8.89m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to 3.14m AOD and was positioned close to the yard entrance for the warehouse on the south-eastern side of Carmelite Street. Natural deposits of glacial origin appeared from 4.64m AOD and consisted of banded red brown stiff clays and fine to medium grained sands (6031), banded medium to coarse grained orange, red, yellow and yellow brown sand (6030) and stiff orange clay (6029).
Sealing the natural was a layer of soft light brownish grey silty sand (6028) 0.2m thick which was interpreted as a layer of alluvium. Two dumps consisting of dark grey and mid brownish green organic clay silt (6026 and 6027) (6027 containing brick, tile and burnt limestone fragments) then built-up to 5.19m AOD. A thin layer of material similar to (6028) but light grey in colour (6025) then formed and was subsequently sealed by three reclamation dumps at 5.64m AOD. These consisted of firm sticky mid brownish grey and grey brown organic clay silts (6023 and 6024) and dark rust brown organic silt (6022). The latter may be a layer of decayed brushwood to consolidate the area prior to the laying down of two possible surfaces consisting of light to mid grey silty clays (6020 and 6021) from 6.00m AOD. Four further dump deposits then formed from 6.55m AOD and consisted of soft grey to brown silty sands and organic sandy silts (6016 to 6019). These may have been laid down in a wet environment possibly after severe flooding of the area already reclaimed. A series of four surfaces then built-up to 6.84m AOD consisting of laminated orange clay (6015), soft mid grey brown silty sandy grit (6014) compacted greyish orange gravel (6013) and soft mid yellow brown sandy silt (6012). These were sealed from 7.44m AOD by two further dumps consisting of very soft wet mid to dark grey organic gritty silt and clay silt (6010 and 6011).
A sequence of six alternating dumps, and levelling deposits or surfaces were then laid down and raised the ground level to 8.64m AOD. They consisted of stiff mid orangey grey slightly sandy silty clay (6009), yellow brown clay sand patches, pea grit and coke fragments in a matrix of mid grey silty sand (6007) and a layer of creamy white lime based sandy mortar (6005). Interleaved within these deposits were layers of firm mid to dark grey and brown slightly sandy silty clays and clay silts (6004, 6006 and 6008) which contained brick, tile, limestone, coal ash and coke fragments and flecks of charcoal and mortar of varying sizes and concentrations. A modern levelling dump of demolition material consisting of brick, tile and sandy mortar fragments (6003) then sealed the area prior to modern hard-core (6002) and tarmac (6001) raising the ground to its present level at 9.14m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to 3.95m AOD and was positioned in the south-western corner of a private car park at the end of Hungate. Natural deposits of glacial origin appeared from 4.20m AOD and consisted of banded orange brown coarse grained sand and stiff red brown clay with coarse angular gravel (7019).
The earliest archaeological deposit consisted of a compact light to dark grey gravelly clay (7018) up to 0.10m thick which has been interpreted as a surface. This was overlain by dark grey to black gravelly silty sand (7017) up to 0.45m thick which may represent an accumulation of material on top of the surface. Overlying these possibly pre-medieval deposits were alluvial and dump deposits associated with the silting up of the King’s Fishpool which raised the area to 5.95m AOD. These consisted of banded light grey to black organic silty sands and clay silts (7015 and 7016) and moist dark grey slightly sandy silt (7014). A layer of moist red brown organic gritty silt (7013) which contained moderate organic matter and slag was then laid down (possibly originally brushwood) to consolidate the area prior to two levelling dumps or surfaces of moist sticky dark grey and grey brown organic gritty silty clays (7011 and 7012). The latter two deposits contained bone fragments and charcoal flecks and raised the ground level to 6.65m AOD.
Three large dumps of material then levelled the area up to 8.05m AOD. They consisted of dark grey brown mortar fragments in a slightly gritty silty clay (7010), mottled dark grey to grey brown gritty silt (7009) with moderate brick, tile and mortar fragments as inclusions, and a layer of mixed mortar brick and tile fragments (7008). These were sealed by a layer of mid brown sandy clay (7007) interpreted as a levelling layer which was subsequently covered at 8.25m AOD by a sandstone flag floor (7006). A thin accumulation deposit of dark grey gritty silt (7005) then built-up on top of this. A massive levelling dump of brick, tile, mortar and coke fragments in mid to dark grey silty gritty sand (7004) then built the area up to 9.35m AOD. Modern hard-core, concrete and a tile floor for a recently demolished toilet block then raised the ground level to its present height of 9.95m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to 3.85m AOD and was positioned in the south-eastern corner of a private car park at the south-eastern end of Hungate. Natural deposits of glacial origin appeared from 4.75m AOD and consisted of angular gravel with orange brown coarse grained sand (39020) yellow brown silty sand (39019), stiff banded red brown clay and fine sand (39018) and very compact dense yellowish orange brown gravelly sand (39017). A thin layer of rounded gravel (39016) overlay the natural. It is uncertain whether this was the result of glacial, riverine or anthroprogenic formation processes.
River deposits then sealed the earlier material from 5.35m AOD and consisted of banded reddish orange, orange and yellow brown fine to medium coarsed silty sands (39015). Reclamation dumps were then laid down which raised the ground level in the area to 6.75m AOD. These consisted of dark grey, brown and black and mid red brown organic gravelly sandy silts (39012 to 39014) which contained brick, tile and bone fragments, organic matter and gravel. Two further possible alluvial deposits consisting of dark grey gritty sandy silt (39011) and banded dark grey and mid orangey brown organic sandy silt and clay sand (39009) were then laid down from 7.85m AOD. These were interleaved with a reclamation dump of mixed gravel, mortar, brick and tile fragments (39010). Three levelling dumps of mid orangey brown clay (39008) and mottled dark grey and grey brown gritty clays and silty clays (39006 and 39007) were then dumped over the area, building the ground level up to 8.55m AOD. A layer of light to mid grey and creamy white mortar fragments (39005) sealed by a thick dump of brick, tile and mortar fragments in a matrix of mid yellow brown silty gritty sand (39004) then raised the ground level to 9.35m AOD. This may represent either further levelling dumps or a mortar floor sealed by demolition material. A modern dump of dark grey gritty silt (39003) sealed the earlier deposits prior to the laying of hard-core and a concrete surface at 9.85m AOD.
This probe-hole was cored to 3.90m AOD and was positioned in the north-eastern corner of a private car park at the south-eastern end of Hungate. Natural deposits of glacial origin appeared from 4.90m AOD and consisted of mid brownish orange fine grained silty sand (20016), angular and rounded gravel in an orange and mid grey coarse grained sand (20015) and mid orangey brown sandy clay (20014).
Sealing the glacial deposits was a long series of five riverine deposits which raised the ground level to 7.00m AOD. These consisted of banded rust brown, grey, grey brown, pinkish orange and orange coarse grained sand (20013), mid orangey brown and grey brown silty sands (20011 and 20012) and mid brown slightly sandy silts (20009 and 20010). Above this was a layer of banded grey and black organic silty sand (20008) and a thin lens of black organic matter (20007) which may represent an attempt at consolidating the marshy edge of the fishpool from 7.25m AOD. The organic matter was sealed by two levelling dumps or surfaces consisting of mottled banded mid brown sandy clay and mid yellow brown clay sand (20005 and 20006) which raised the ground level to 7.60m AOD. Two modern and post-medieval dumps consisting of dark brown silty clay (20004) and mottled dark grey brown silty grit then raised the ground level to 9.65m AOD. The earlier of the two deposits (20004) contained occasional to moderate black organic matter, patches of orange silty clay, mortar flecks, and coke, brick, tile and bone fragments. The later deposit (20003 also contained concrete, coal, mortar and limestone fragments. The modern surface adjacent to the probe-hole was formed of hard-core and concrete at 9.90m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to 3.90m AOD and was positioned in the north-western corner of a private carpark at the south-eastern end of Hungate. Natural deposits of glacial origin appeared from 4.20m AOD and consisted of mid orange coarse grained sand (21019).
Between 4.60m and 4.20m AOD were four deposits. They consisted of dark grey sand (21018), clay (21017), gravel (21016) and banded dark grey gravels and sand (21015). These are difficult to interpret but it is possible that they are either surfaces associated with pre-medieval occupation in the area, or primary riverine deposits associated with the early silting of the King’s Fishpool. Overlying this from 5.40m AOD, were deposits that were clearly riverine in origin. These included banded orange, pinkish orange, mid brown and light to mid grey silty sands (21014) and a dark grey silty sand (21013). A series of reclamation dumps were then laid down which raised the ground level to 7.00m AOD. These consisted of firm, friable and moist mid brown, dark grey and black organic sandy silts and clay silts (21008 to 21012) many of which contained frequent wood, organic matter, and bone fragments. A thin layer of mid orangey grey silty clay (21007) 0.05m thick was then laid down which was subsequently sealed at 7.15m AOD by a black very organic slightly gritty silt (21006). Both may represent surfaces, or an organic accumulation on top of a clay floor.
Covering the earlier deposits was a thick build-up of dumped material which levelled the area up to 9.70m AOD. This consisted of dark brown to grey sandy silts and clay silts (21003 to 21005) and dark grey brown gritty slightly sandy silty clay (21002). Within these deposits were brick, tile, mortar, coke, bone and oyster shell fragments, brown sand spotting and charcoal flecks in varying concentrations. Above this a layer of modern hard-core and a concrete surface (21001) levelled the ground to its present level at 9.90m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to 3.87m AOD and was positioned in a private car park behind Henly’s Garage, halfway between Dundas Street and Hungate. Natural glacial natural deposits appeared from 6.37m AOD. These consisted of dense stiff red brown clay (40017), soft orangey brown clay sand (40016), banded pinkish red brown clay, coarse grained sand and gravel (40015), mid orangey brown fine to coarse grained sands and gravels (40013 and 40014) and pinkish orange and pale creamy orange brown banded sands and sandy clays (40012).
The earliest archaeological deposit consisted of a moist dark grey slightly gritty organic clay silt (40011). This was 0.30m thick and may be a dump or an accumulation of occupation material. A possible floor made of mid orangey brown clay sand (40010) sealed the earlier deposit at 6.72m AOD. Three layers sealed these deposits from 7.92m AOD and may represent further occupation in the area. These included banded light to dark grey and green organic gritty silt (40009), banded black organic matter, orangey brown clay, clay sand and mid grey soft moist clay silt (40008) and a very mottled yellow brown slightly sandy clay silt (40007). Above this three thick dumps of soft moist mid to dark grey clay silt (40006), slightly sticky mid to dark greenish brown gritty silty clay (40005) and a dark grey brown slightly sandy clay silt (40004) built up the ground level to 9.49m AOD. A terracing cut for the modern car park then truncated the archaeological deposits prior to a thin demolition or levelling deposit of brick, tile and sandy mortar fragments (40003) being laid down. Modern hard-core (40002) and a concrete surface (40001) finally raised the area to its present height of 9.87m AOD.
The probe-hole was cored to 4.00m AOD and was positioned just to the south-east of window sample 22. Natural deposits of glacial origin appeared from 7.65m AOD and consisted of dense red brown sandy clay and laminated clay (41013, 41015 and 41016), mid orange fine grained silty sand (41014) and banded mid orangey brown and grey sandy clays (41011 and 41012). Above this a thin layer of mixed banded light to mid grey brown clay sand (41010) up to 0.10m thick may represent disturbed natural.
Sealing these natural deposits were two thick dumps consisting of soft mottled mid brown and orangey brown gritty clay silt and silty clay (41008 and 41009) which raised the ground level to 9.30m AOD. These contained brick, tile, limestone and mortar fragments, charcoal flecks and patches of light grey and light orange clay in varying concentrations. A levelling dump of brick, tile and limestone fragments in a matrix of mid orangey brown silty clay (41007) was then laid down at 9.40m AOD prior to deposition of a possible floor or surface of stiff mid brown silty clay (41006) up to 0.08m thick. Large cobble fragments (41005) then formed the base for a possible hearth made of burnt orangey red clay (41004) at 9.57m AOD. A thin layer of dark grey silty clay (41003) up to 0.03m thick then built up. The terracing cut for the car park truncated the area. A layer of modern hard-core and tarmac finally sealed the top of the probe-hole at 10.00m AOD.
Upon surveying the area in which the second phase of site investigations took place it was noted that the levels indicated in the original phase 1 site investigations for probe-hole 5 were wrong. The following is a reiteration of the findings from this probe with the altered levels.
This probe-hole was cored to 5.23m AOD and was positioned just inside the back entrance of the car repair workshop on Dundas Street. The earliest deposits encountered were of glacial origin and included reddish brown clay (5011), banded orange yellow gravels, sands and reddish orange clays (5010) and compact orange brown gravel and coarse grit (5009). The upper surface of these deposits was situated at 7.66m AOD. Sealing this was a series of four deposits. The earliest was a reddish orange sandy clay (5008) 0.37m thick. This was overlain by a mottled light yellow and dark brown sandy clay (5007) 0.10m thick, which was subsequently sealed by a mid orange brown clay silt (5006) 0.30m thick and a dark brownish grey gritty sandy silt (5005) 0.8m thick. All of the above deposits were undated and are interpreted as dumps or build-ups of material from the Roman to the medieval period.
A possible cellar cut was recognised at 9.23m AOD. A layer of brick and tile fragments (5004) 1.35m thick had been used to backfill it. A levelling dump of very compact dark grey brown clay silt (5003) with occasional charcoal flecks sealed the cellar backfill at 10.78m AOD. Hard-core (5002) was then laid down for the reinforced concrete slab (5001) associated with the present floor of the car repair workshop, which levelled the area off at 11.23m AOD.
The bore-hole was drilled to bedrock and was positioned close to the River Foss, at the south-eastern end of a private car park used by Henly’s Car repair workshop off Palmer Lane. The natural glacial ground surface was encountered at c.4.52m AOD and consisted of mid orange brown gravelly sandy clay (36019).
Sealing these deposits from c.4.92m AOD was a sequence that may relate to pre-Norman occupation. This consisted of thin deposits of dark greenish grey organic clay silt (36018) with moderate wood fragments (max. diameter 0.08m), rounded gravel, pebbles, occasional to moderate bone and leather fragments; mid red brown gravelly sandy clay and organic silty clay (36015 and 36017); laminated mid red and grey silty sand (36016) and banded mid greyish green and mid brown organic silty clay (36014) with moderate to frequent small wood fragments (max. diameter 0.05m) and occasional cobbles. These deposits are undated but as they were sealed by river silts it is tempting to suggest that they relate to river-side occupation from the Roman to the Anglo-Scandinavian periods.
Three layers which appear to relate to river silting and activity within the River Foss accumulated from c.5.92m AOD. Initially a banded mid grey sandy organic silt (36013) c.0.45m thick accumulated and contained moderate to frequent small wood fragments. This was sealed by a 0.15m thick layer of highly organic small to medium sized wood fragments (max. diameter 0.10m), which could relate to natural or human activity beside the river. A further layer of light to mid grey organic silty sand (36011) which contained a sherd of 11th to 12th century gritty ware then covered the organic layer. Two thick reclamation dumps were then laid down consisting of dark grey organic gritty silt and gritty silty clay (36009-36010) which raised the ground level to c. 7.72m AOD. The lower (36010) was dated by two Humberware pottery fragments to the 14th to the 16th centuries and contained moderate tile, wood (from large stakes or timbers) and occasional large mammal bone fragments and charcoal flecks. The upper (36009) contained frequent charcoal flecks, moderate brick, tile and occasional slag fragments, cobbles, pebbles and mortar flecks. Both would appear to incorporate evidence for animal butchery, demolition, domestic and industrial waste dated from the late medieval to the early post-medieval periods.
Above this, two deposits built-up to c.8.74m AOD consisting of mid orange brown and dark grey brown gritty silty clay (36007-8). These may be further dumps or an accumulation of post-medieval agricultural or horticultural soils. A post-medieval floor constructed from 0.05m thick slabs of greenish yellow sandstone (36006) was then laid at c.8.79m AOD. Demolition material (36005) consisting of brick and mortar rubble up to 0.13m thick, which sealed the floor may indicate the clearance of a building in the area. A modern dump of mid to dark brown slightly sandy silty clay (36004) then levelled up the area. Black ash, coke, and crushed slag (36003) was then spread across the site, in this area up to 0.28m thick, prior to the laying of crushed limestone hard-core (36002) and a reinforced concrete floor (36001) which levelled the area up to its modern height of 9.72m AOD.
The bore-hole was drilled to bedrock and was positioned close to probe-hole 18 in a private car park on the north-eastern side of Garden Place. The top of glacial natural deposits was found at c. 4.63m AOD, which consisted of a mid orange brown silty sandy clay (35009).
A thick accumulation of river silts was the earliest archaeological deposit recovered, consisting of grey sandy silt (35008), which was located at c.5.63m AOD. Above this a massive volume of dark grey brown to black organic clay silts (35007) was then dumped probably in successive attempts at land reclamation. This raised the ground level in the area to c.8.63m AOD. Mid orange brown silty clay (35006) 0.25m thick with occasional mortar, brick and tile fragments then was laid down probably as a levelling layer over the top of the organic deposits. A further dump of dark grey clay silt (35005) 0.30m thick was then deposited. Demolition material consisting of sandstone and brick rubble in a matrix of dark grey brown sandy silt (35004) was located at c.9.28m AOD and was subsequently sealed by a 0.15m thick modern dump of dark grey brown sandy silt (35003) containing occasional brick, tile, mortar and concrete fragments. Modern hard-core (35002) and a concrete surface (35001) then finally sealed the top of the bore-hole at 9.63m AOD.
The bore-hole was drilled to bedrock and was positioned close to Dundas Street in a private car park to the south-east of Henly’s car repair workshop. Natural glacial deposits were found at c.8.06m AOD and consisted of a stiff laminated mid orange and light grey clay (38005).
The earliest archaeological deposit was a thick deposit of compact sticky mid orangey brown silty clay (38004) located at 9.26m AOD and interpreted as a dump associated with Roman industrial activity in the area. This was sealed by two further dump deposits which raised the ground level in the area to 9.61m AOD. These consisted of mid to dark grey brown and red brown silty clays (38002 and 38003). Bone (some of which appeared to have been burnt), brick, tile, pottery and limestone fragments and charcoal flecks in varying concentrations were incorporated within the deposits which were interpreted as dumps within a backyard. The terracing cut for the modern car park truncated the earlier deposits. Modern hard-core and tarmac finally levelled the area up to its present height at 10.01m AOD.
These were excavated in the area of the former 19th century Union Gas Works and the original Leetham's Mill, to try and identify areas of contamination or of structures which may contain contaminants. The area is currently occupied by Derwent Coachworks.
The test-pit was positioned close to the Palmer Lane street frontage on the western side of the site and was machine excavated to c.7.75m AOD. All of the deposits recovered within the test-pit were of late post-medieval or modern date. The top of a brick arched drain (26008) was machined out at c.8.00m AOD and water from within this structure stopped excavation at this point. The drain appeared to have been mostly infilled with brick rubble (26009) although it was still active to a degree. A modern dump of brick rubble in a matrix of mid brown silty clay (26007) sealed the brick drain and raised the ground level to c.8.50m AOD. Further modern dumps of brown clay (26006), mixed brick rubble and dark brown silty clay (26003 and 26005) and orange brown silty clay (26004) raised the ground level to c.9.5m AOD. Crushed limestone hard-core (26002) and tarmac (26001) then sealed the top of the test-pit at c.9.65m AOD.
The test-pit was positioned close to the Palmer Lane street frontage on the north-eastern side of the site and was machine excavated to c.8.20m AOD. Rapid ground water flow caused excavation to cease at this point. All of the deposits recorded equate to late post-medieval or modern activity on the site. The earliest deposits were two spreads of pale grey sandy silty mortar (27005-6) between 0.1 and 0.2m thick, located at the base of the pit. These may have been dumps of modern mortar or mortar mixing areas. Sealing these deposits was a thick layer of dark brown silty clay (27004) which contained brick fragments and modern pottery and levelled the ground up to c.9.4m AOD. Black ash (27003) up to 0.22m thick then sealed the earlier dump deposit, prior to a layer of hard-core (27003) and the present tarmac surface (27001) sealing the top of the test-pit at c.9.74m AOD.
The test-pit was positioned at the north-eastern end of an overgrown corridor between the Derwent Coachworks and a group of 19th century buildings. It was machine excavated to a depth of 4m below the present ground surface or c.6.00m AOD. The earliest deposit seen was a black organic silt (28007) with sandy lenses which was located from c.8.40m AOD. This is interpreted as a reclamation dump into the King’s Fishpool. Above this a further reclamation dump of black organic silt (28005) raised the ground level to c.9.00m AOD. A levelling deposit of orange brown clay was then laid down prior to a further dump of dark brown silty clay (28004). A modern cellar wall (28003) truncated the eastern two thirds of the test-pit down to c.8.4m AOD. The cellar was eventually filled in with loose brick rubble and dark brown silty clay (28002). Dark grey loam (28001) finally sealed the top of the test-pit at c.10.00m AOD and formed a topsoil.
The test-pit was positioned further south-east and closer to the River Foss than TP3 within the corridor mentioned in 4.4.3 and was machine excavated to a depth of c.7.86m AOD, when the possibility of trench collapse caused excavation to cease. The earliest deposit encountered was a black organic silt (29006) which was located from 8.96m AOD. This deposit probably relates to late medieval or early post-medieval land reclamation of the King’s Fishpool in this area. A further dump or build-up of dark brown loam (29005) 0.40m thick then sealed the earlier deposits and may have formed a horticultural or agricultural soil. A deep cellar wall (29003) truncated deposits in the north-eastern two thirds of the test-pit down to c.7.86m AOD. This was later backfilled and the whole area raised to c.9.66m AOD with brick rubble (29004 and 29002). A layer of dark grey loam topsoil (29001) sealed all the earlier deposits to the present surface at c.9.86m AOD.
The test-pit was positioned as far south-east as machine access would allow within the corridor mentioned in 4.4.3 and close to the River Foss. It was machine excavated to c.5.86m AOD when trench collapse and the rapid influx of ground water ceased excavation. The earliest deposit reached at c.5.96m AOD was a layer of brick and tile in a matrix of dark grey organic silts (30007), which was interpreted as a reclamation dump of demolition material. Above this a thick dump of dark grey to black organic sandy silt (30006) built-up continuing the reclamation process and raising the ground level to c.7.86m AOD. Sealing this was a thick layer of mid orange to light grey sands and sandy silts (30005) which was observed from c.8.76m AOD. This deposit appears to consist of river silt which may have been re-deposited. A modern dump of ash and brick rubble (30004) then raised the ground level again to c.9.76m AOD. This and some of the earlier deposits were truncated by the insertion of a deep cellar (30002) on the western side of the test-pit down to c.7.96m AOD. This was later backfilled with brick rubble (30003) and the area sealed by a layer of dark grey loam topsoil (30001) at 9.96m AOD.
The trench was positioned at the north end of the former 19th century Union Gas Works site and was machine excavated to try and pinpoint remains of the gas holding tanks and assess the level of contamination of deposits therein. The trench was excavated to c.8.53m AOD or 1.10m below the surface and the earliest deposit recovered was a layer of creamy silty clay (37005). It has been suggested that this may have formed the base of a gas holding tank (Oxley, pers. comm.). A thick modern dump of dark brown silty clay (37004) sealed the clay layer and raised the ground level to c.9.23m AOD. This was sealed by a levelling deposit of ash and dark brown silty clay (37003) c.0.30m thick, prior to the laying of modern hard-core (37002) and tarmac (37001) at 9.63m AOD.