AN EDUCATIONAL charity is encouraging people in York to affix excavation work to ascertain the positioning of St Peter-in-the-Willows, near Walmgate Bar, in town.
York Archaeology, knowledgeable archaeological organisation specialising in public, community, and academic projects, has been investigating the footprint of the church, first mentioned within the records in 1279, when Kirkham Priory desired to unite it with St Michael’s. It was closed and demolished in 1549.
Some foundations were uncovered in 1827, and a few wall footings were present in 1945, which suggested an intensive graveyard to the west of the church. York Archaeological Trust undertook further excavation work in 1973, uncovering further burials, a charnel pit, and the stays of buildings believed to be a part of the church
The excavations weren’t long enough or wide enough, nevertheless, to indicate the size of the church. The latest dig will expand the search into the areas of Willow Green and School Green, near the care home Willow House, where the charity’s project Archaeology on Prescription is predicated.
Arran Johnson, the community engagement officer, and his team, held a consultation event last week, at which individuals discovered more in regards to the project and learn how to become involved.
“We have two specific areas of interest, which we’d like to explore further, with more opportunities for local people to become involved — whether through research, the washing of finds, and even helping us dig a series of small trenches to see what we are able to find,” he said.
If the scheme receives a positive response, it’s going to happen over the spring and summer before the trenches are filled, and turf can be relaid within the autumn.
yorkarchaeology.co.uk/news; takepart@yorkat.co.uk
