City roadworks uncover medieval hospital remains
Historic remains believed to be part of one of the largest medieval hospitals in the north of England have been uncovered during emergency roadworks in York.
The works began after a sinkhole opened up outside the Theatre Royal on St Leonard's Place in May.
After further investigation, archaeologists uncovered what is believed to be part of the 12th to13th Century St Leonard's Hospital, which covered an area between the modern day Museum Gardens and the theatre.
Councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport, said the finds were "fascinating" but admitted they had delayed the completion of the roadworks.
"We knew that there is a lot of complex archaeology in the area dating back to the Roman legionary fortress," she said.
"Throughout the works we have been live to this while doing all we can to get off site as quickly as possible."
The area around the discovery was used as the Royal Mint in the post-Reformation era.
The finds, which have been documented and sent for further analysis, are believed to become part of the Mint Yard, a sprawling area of streets and buildings in the early 19th Century.
The buildings were flattened in 1836 to make way for a Georgian streetscape and the area became one of the most fashionable parts of the city during the time period.
Demolished parts of the city walls were used to make the base for the road.
Repair works are now able to resume, but the current closure of one lane on St Leonard's Place will remain until 13 June, when it is anticipated both lanes will reopen.
Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
'Urgent investigation' into sinkhole - council
Medieval artefacts found during bridge demolition
City of York Council
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
New home for one of port's last deep-sea trawlers
A new home for one of a port's last surviving deep-sea trawlers is expected to open to visitors next year. The visitor centre at North End Shipyard in Hull, which is part of a major regeneration project, will host Arctic Corsair. With views along the River Hull, the venue will provide a space to explore the area's maritime history and include a learning space for schools. Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: "This new visitor centre is not only a place to explore Hull's maritime past – it's a vision for the future." Built in 1960, Arctic Corsair was involved in the Cod Wars with Iceland in the 1970s and rammed an Icelandic gunboat during the dispute. The ship, which has been restored, will be the star exhibit at the new maritime museum after it sets sail to the North End Shipyard and is berthed in the dry dock. Visitors to the building, which is funded by the local authority and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will be able to learn about the life of a trawlerman, with first-hand stories from former crew members. Gillian Osgerby, the council's interim assistant director for major projects and infrastructure, said: "The story shouts about what makes Hull really special." A restored Scotch Derrick crane, which is a survivor of the River Hull shipbuilding that ended in the 1990s, will also return to the site later this year. The council said the new two-storey facility would be one of the most energy-efficient cultural buildings in the UK. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Crane repair part of city's maritime history Cod Wars weapon presented to museum Cod War captains meet for first time since clash Hull City Council
Axios
17 hours ago
- Axios
A 1915 photo of Chicago's oldest park revealed
This week's History Mystery revealed: The 1915 photo captures Chicagoans of all ages (look at the buggies!) enjoying a brisk day at Washington Square Park, also known as Bughouse Square, on the Near North Side. Context: This Getty archival photo of the oldest park in Chicago, first built in 1842, reveals few visual clues. Yes, but: The former Unity Church, now the Scottish Rite Cathedral at 935 N. Dearborn Street, offers a dead giveaway. Zoom out: The area surrounding the park includes some impressive Chicago architecture, including homes designed during the post-Fire rebuilding period right before the turn of the 19th century. The homes were mainly designed for Chicago's wealthiest. It was also around this time that the Newberry Library was built just north of the park. The intrigue: Around 1890, the park started hosting public debates, giving it the nickname "Bughouse Square." The soapbox speeches continued throughout the 20th century, featuring famous speakers like Studs Terkel, whose ashes were spread at the park after he died in 2008.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
City roadworks uncover medieval hospital remains
Historic remains believed to be part of one of the largest medieval hospitals in the north of England have been uncovered during emergency roadworks in York. The works began after a sinkhole opened up outside the Theatre Royal on St Leonard's Place in May. After further investigation, archaeologists uncovered what is believed to be part of the 12th to13th Century St Leonard's Hospital, which covered an area between the modern day Museum Gardens and the theatre. Councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport, said the finds were "fascinating" but admitted they had delayed the completion of the roadworks. "We knew that there is a lot of complex archaeology in the area dating back to the Roman legionary fortress," she said. "Throughout the works we have been live to this while doing all we can to get off site as quickly as possible." The area around the discovery was used as the Royal Mint in the post-Reformation era. The finds, which have been documented and sent for further analysis, are believed to become part of the Mint Yard, a sprawling area of streets and buildings in the early 19th Century. The buildings were flattened in 1836 to make way for a Georgian streetscape and the area became one of the most fashionable parts of the city during the time period. Demolished parts of the city walls were used to make the base for the road. Repair works are now able to resume, but the current closure of one lane on St Leonard's Place will remain until 13 June, when it is anticipated both lanes will reopen. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. 'Urgent investigation' into sinkhole - council Medieval artefacts found during bridge demolition City of York Council
