A Glimpse of Roman York on Micklegate

Bone pinsAOC is currently undertaking work on Micklegate in York which is revealing exciting evidence of Roman life.  York Conservation Trust has started a major renovation project at the site and AOC’s archaeologists are excavating the basement level of the building, which was originally timber-framed and of late medieval date, but was refashioned in the 18th and 19th centuries. Given that excavations are taking place about 2.5m below street level, it is perhaps unsurprising that we have come straight down onto Roman deposits. Structural remains identified so far include a probable Roman well, some remnants of Roman walls and a large robber trench where a substantial Roman wall has been robbed out. There are also in situ deposits which appear to be Roman occupation layers, and we have recovered significant amounts of Roman pottery (including some fine wares), painted Roman wall plaster, and (so far) three bone hair pins, two of which are shown here. Micklegate lies within the Roman colonia that built up on the western side of the River Ouse, to the west of the Roman fortress. You can find out more about this historic street on YCT's website

AOC is carrying out work at Micklegate on behalf of York Conservation Trust.