APC Monograph Series
The APC Monograph Series has been established to present the results of various fieldwork projects undertaken by those companies and individuals under the umbrella of the Archaeological Planning Consultancy.
Monograph 001
Spall, C. A. and Toop, N. J. (eds.). 2005. Blue Bridge Lane & Fishergate House, York. Report on Excavations: July 2000 to July 2002
This on-line monograph provides detailed information regarding the findings
of a series of archaeological investigations in Fishergate, York, and includes
the full Field Report on Excavations; July
2000 to July 2002 prepared by Field
Archaeology Specialists Ltd.
Excavation of two sites on Blue Bridge Lane and Fishergate House was undertaken between July 2000 and July 2002 in advance of development; this publication reports on various studies which includes the presentation of Anglian archaeology of national and international significance and medieval archaeology of regional significance.
The earliest features on the site dated to the Roman period, including a road and a cremation and inhumation cemetery, established on both sides of this road.
Roman occupation declined after the mid-3rd century, and reoccupation did not occur until the late 7th century, when an Anglian settlement was established on the eastern banks of the Foss. Excavation encountered features which may be associated with the 7th to 9th century settlement of Eoforwic, and included evidence for trade, small-scale animal husbandry and fishing.
The site was reoccupied by the late 10th century, albeit on a much less intense scale. A single sunken-featured building was excavated, which contained evidence for domestic occupation, and several associated pits were used for the disposal of domestic rubbish. Pre-Conquest occupation was also detected but was not well-defined.
In the post-Conquest period, activity was dominated by nearby ecclesiastical foundations; the route of Blue Bridge Lane marked the southern limit of the precinct of the Gilbertine priory of St Andrews, and excavations encountered evidence for early high status occupation and later industrial activity. The remains of a pottery kiln and a large quantity of wasters provided evidence for the production of Humberware-type pottery on the site.
To the south of Blue Bridge Lane, part of an intensively-used medieval cemetery of 14th to 15th century date was excavated, and the remains of over 240 articulated burials were identified. This apparently lay burial ground was located without the precinct of the Priory, and it is suggested that this might be associated with of one of the 'lost churches’ of Fishergate, possibly that of St Helen’s.
Following the Dissolution of the Priory, and the abandonment of the cemetery, sporadic and disorganised activity was encountered, followed by orchards and pasturage, and eventually to high status houses of the early 19th century. Later, the site on Blue Bridge Lane was used for a variety of purposes, including the establishment of a cinema, replaced by the Mecca Bingo in the 1960s.
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