FOCAL BUILDING HUNGATE DEVELOPMENT YORK - A Report on an Archaeological Excavation by Ian Milsted
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FOCAL BUILDING
HUNGATE DEVELOPMENT
YORK
A Report on an
Archaeological
Excavation
by Ian Milsted
REPORT NUMBER 2008/5
FOCAL BUILDING:
HUNGATE DEVELOPMENT
YORK
A REPORT ON AN
ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION
by
Ian Milsted
March 2008
Cover illustration:
General view of Focal Building excavation, southern area, looking east-south-east
© 2008 York Archaeological Trust, 47 Aldwark, York YO1-7BX
Tel: (01904) 663000 Fax: (01904) 663024 Email: enquiries@yorkarchaeology.co.uk
Registered Charity No: 509060
CONTENTS
page
ABSTRACT
1. BACKGROUND 6
2. METHOD STATEMENT 9
3. RESULTS OF THE EXCAVATION 12
4. FINDS ASSESSMENT 16
5. DOCUMENTARY ASSESSMENT 21
6. INITIAL INTERPRETATION 29
7. PROJECTED RESEARCH DESIGN 34
8. BIBLIOGRAPHY 36
9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 39
Appendix 1 Pottery Table by phase 40
Appendix 2 Ceramic Building Material by context 43
Appendix 3 Small Finds by small find number 45
Appendix 4 Glass by phase 46
Appendix 5 Table showing the construction of YUGLC (1836/7) 47
Appendix 6 Illustrations 49
Appendix 7 Plates 63
Ordnance Survey plans are reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Digital Mapping with the
permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office,@Crown Copyright.
York Archaelogocal Trust, 47 Aldwark, York, YO1 7BX. Licence Number AL 100018343
List of Abbreviations
BGL Below Ground Level
CBM Ceramic Building Material
HYR Hungate (York) Regeneration
IADB Integrated Archaeological Database
NGA National Gas Archives, Warrington
NGR National Grid Reference
OD Above Ordnance Datum
OS Ordnance Survey
sf Small Find
YAT York Archaeological Trust
YCA York City Archive
YORYM York, Yorkshire Museum
List of Figures
page
1 Site location 49
2 Location of areas of excavation 50
3 Encountered areas of contamination 51
4 Plan showing main archaeological features, Phase 7700,
York Union Gasworks 52
5 Plan showing main archaeological features, Phase 7701,
the de-commissioning of York Union Gasworks 53
6 Plan showing main archaeological features, Phase 7702,
Hungate Sawmill 54
7 Plan showing main archaeological features, Phase 7703,
Derwent Coachworks 55
8 Plan showing main archaeological features, Phase 7704,
modern activity 56
9 Part of Baines’ 1822 plan of York showing approximate location
of excavations 57
10 Plan showing plot of land to the corner of Hungate and Palmer Lane
conveyed to the YUGLC on 3rd August 1836 (NGA:NE/YOG/L/T/1) 58
11 1850 Auction Plan of Gasworks site 59
12 Part of the 1852 Ordnance Survey plan of York 60
13 Part of the 1909 Ordnance Survey plan of York 61
14 Part of the 1907 Santitation plan of the area showing approximate
location of excavations 62
List of Plates
page
1 Retort House, looking east. Walls and floor of modified cellar
(Phase 7700), truncated by later service pipes 63
2 Retort House, looking north. Walls of a modified cellar (Phase 7700)
with associated drainage 63
3 Sawmill main building, looking east. Floors and walls (Phase 7702)
with earlier modified cellar walls 64
4 Union Gasworks hydraulic main gas pipe (Phase 7700),
with 1880s addition, looking north. Modified cellar wall (Phase 7702)
in foreground 64
5 Union Gasworks gas pipe, looking north. Cast-iron 1 ¾” diameter pipe
(Phase 7700) 65
6 Union Gasworks hydraulic main gas pipe, looking north. Cast iron
gas pipe (Phase 7700) with later truncating walls 65
7 General view, looking north-east.Remains of large gas in-let well
(Phase 7700) in foreground 66
8 Gas holder remains, looking north. Construction cut and
clay lining (Phase 7700) and robber cut (Phase 7701) 66
9 Union Gasworks eastern boundary wall, looking south-east.
1m wide brick wall with large buttresses (Phase 7700) 67
10 Gasworks well, context 77473, looking north. Circular brick-built
well (Phase 7700) 67
11 Sawmill threshold into re-used gasworks cellar, looking south.
Worn stone threshold and remains of lower runner for a
sliding door (Phase 7702) 68
12 Sawmill machine base, looking north/north-west. Large stone
machine base for possible steam engine (Phase 7702) 68
13 General view, looking east. Showing sawmill bay-fronted stable building
(Phase 7702) truncated by a 20th century brick-built chamber and
augmented by a large 20th century wedge-shaped wall associated
with the Derwent Coachworks (Phase 7703) 69
page
14 General view, looking west. Remains of sawmill boiler house in
foreground, with sawmill brick-built yard surface (Phase 7702),
truncated by 20th century brick chamber (Phase 7703) 69
15 Sawmill brick yard, looking west. Truncated brick-built yard
surface (Phase 7702) 70
16 General view, looking east. Remains of sawmill-period cobbled road
and cinder yard surfaces, with front wall of bay-fronted stable building
in right foreground (all Phase 7702) 70
17 General view, looking north-east. Remains of sawmill-period
cobbled yard with truncated stable buildings in left centre and remains of
a probable timber store in the background (all Phase 7702), truncated by
20th century inspection chambers (Phase 7703) 71
18 Sawmill timber store floor, looking north. Truncated brick-built
floor (Phase 7702) 71
19 Lower Dundas Street yards, looking south. Single-skin brick yard wall
with small buttresses and dividing wall in background (Phase 7702)
built alongside the gasworks eastern boundary wall (Phase 7700) 72
20 General view, looking south-east. Showing truncated Retort House
cellar (Phase 7700), sawmill main building floors (Phase 7702) and
Coachworks brick-built chamber, boundary wall and concrete surfaces
(Phase 7703) 72
21 Western gasholder, looking ?east. Remains of curving outer brick-built
wall of the western gasholder, observed at 2.3m BGL (Phase 7700) 73
22 Section 7, looking west. Showing construction cut and clay lining for
eastern gasholder (Phase 7700) together with robber cut and
backfill (Phase 7701) 73
Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
Abstract
Between 17 October and 19 December 2007 York Archaeological Trust carried out an
archaeological excavation in advance of the redevelopment of the Focal Building area, part of
the Hungate (York) Regeneration Ltd (HYRL) scheme.
The earliest deposits and structures encountered related to the York Union Gas Light Company
(YUGLC) gasworks, which occupied the site from 1837 to 1850. The remains of the main
building, gas-holders and pipe network were found, all significantly truncated by later activity.
The York Union Gasworks were de-commissioned and the site sold by auction in 1850 following
the 1844 amalgamation of YUGLC with its commercial rival, the York Gas Light Company, to
form the new York United Gas Light Company. The site was bought by a William Bellarby and
converted to use as a sawmill. Elements of the sawmill main building, its yards, a cobbled road
and several outbuildings were identified, along with evidence for re-use of the original gas pipe
network to supply gas to the sawmill following a possible upgrade after the 1880s.
The sawmill was eventually demolished during the clearance of the 1930s and 1940s, and
the plot became the location of the Derwent Coachworks. It was found that this enterprise had
partially re-used the yard boundary walls of the sawmill, which in turn were based around the
gasworks site boundary. Elements of the coachworks, including an extensive drainage system
and deeply excavated foundations, had severely truncated earlier deposits and structures
relating both to the Hungate sawmill and to the York Union Gasworks.
Further fieldwork scheduled to occur in the area of the Union Gasworks has good potential
to refine and develop the understanding of this period. Additionally, procedures created to
mitigate the effects of the significant contamination of this area, developed for and refined
during the Focal Building excavation, will inform future fieldwork in this area.
1. BACKGROUND
1.1 Introduction
The excavation was undertaken on behalf of Hungate (York) Regeneration Ltd within the
Hungate redevelopment plot (Fig. 1), in advance of the construction of the Focal Building. This
element of work forms part of the archaeological work agreed between HYR and City of York
Council, and followed on from a borehole sample survey of the area (Reeves 2006).
1.2 Archaeological and Historical Background
The archaeological and historical background to the area has been covered in some detail
during the preparation of an initial desk-top study (Macnab 1999). This study summarised
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 6
Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
its findings as follows; “It (the study) has identified evidence for the likely preservation of
archaeological deposits over the whole site. In the vicinity of Dundas Street archaeological
deposits are relatively shallow but they increase in depth to over 6m to the east, south and west
towards the River Foss, Garden Place and the Northern Electric Headquarters. The deposits
include well stratified and well preserved waterlogged organic remains, of high archaeological
value dating from Roman times to the post-medieval period.
The area is within the Roman canabae, a civilian settlement set up to supply the military
garrison with its various needs. In the Anglo-Scandinavian period it is likely that the banks of
the River Foss were used for trade and streets such as Hungate would have been lined with
timber buildings similar to those excavated at Coppergate, York. A significant part of the site
was flooded in the 11th century when the River Foss was dammed to create a wet ditch around
York Castle. The King’s Fishpool which resulted was gradually filled with rubbish and river silts
in the later medieval period.
In the 13th century a large part of the site was devoted to an important Carmelite Friary which
would have contained the usual range of friary buildings as well as a church and cemetery and
a documented wharf on the edge of the Fishpool. The medieval parish church of St John in the
Marsh, the Guildhall of the Shoemakers or Cordwainers and a residence for Chantry Priests
are also located in the development area.
During the 16th century the King’s Fishpool was used as a public rubbish dump and the material
deposited therein provides a fascinating insight into the living conditions of the population of
York in the late medieval period.
Following the canalisation of the River Foss in the late 18th century the area was developed
for heavy industry with an early Victorian gasworks and large scale flour milling. Although the
buildings associated with these industries have, for the most part, been demolished remains
will still be found beneath the surface.
20th century developments in the area include the construction of a new street, The Stonebow,
in 1955, the massive Telephone Exchange buildings of the late 1950’s and 1970’s, small
scale warehousing and service industry buildings such as those within the Northern Electric
compound.”
Documents tell us that Hungate began its slide into slum existence in the first half of the 19th
century and that this accelerated towards the end of the century when it is described by Rowntree
in 1901 as ‘one of the main slum districts in York’ (Rowntree 1901, 5). In the early 19th century
Hungate is described by Hargrove as having been ‘in later times of great importance, being
the place of residence for many considerable and opulent merchants.’ (Hargrove 1818, 339)
although at the time of his writing there were ‘… very few superior houses; and though wealth
formerly was displayed in its splendid mansions, poverty and its attendants, at present seem
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 7
Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
to prevail amongst most of the inhabitants.’ (ibid 340). He describes the houses of Dundas
Street (built 1812-1813) as ...’neither lofty nor spacious…’ but as neat brick buildings (ibid
341). Maps show part of the area at this time as small enclosures, with orchards and open
ground.
Further information, mainly archaeological, was obtained from 2000 onwards during a
number of evaluation excavations and the observation of many boreholes and test pits across
the site. In particular, an evaluation of the York Union Gasworks was undertaken by Field
Archaeology Specialists Ltd (FAS) in 2002, data from which informed some aspects of the
Focal Building fieldwork. More recently, between October 2006 and May 2007, a programme
of archaeological investigation ahead of and in parallel with the initial groundworks, has taken
place at various points across the site. These include excavations within the Sewer Diversion
Shafts (Antoni 2007), the Block ABC Watching Brief (Evans 2007a), the Block ABC Lift Shaft
excavations (Salcedo 2007), the Block ABC Pre-Piling Probing (Evans 2007b), the Block D
excavations (Evans 2007c, Hunter-Mann 2008) and an excavation in Block E (Hunter-Mann
2007) together with a number of smaller scale watching briefs.
The information gathered up to 2005, together with that from the 1999 desk-top study was
incorporated in the Hungate Research Design (Ottaway et al 2005). The project design then
defined, using the available information, the archaeological research programme on a site-
wide and block by block basis. The research objectives for the Focal Building excavation were
then defined as follows:
1.3 Research Objectives
Natural topography – palaeoenvironment
• Modelling of the natural topography.
• Study of the early river regime and ecology.
Roman
• Characterisation of the deposits and determination of land use patterns on the river
frontage, largely through examination of pre-pile probes.
Anglian/Anglo-Scandinavian – Medieval
• As for the Roman Period, characterisation of the deposits and study of land use patterns
on the river frontage, largely through examination of pre-pile probes.
Post-medieval/19th century
The principal research objective for this block is the study of the early 19th century gas works
and later sawmill with a view to:
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 8
Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
• studying the industrial processes and other activities which took place there.
• setting these processes and activities into their wider economic and social context.
The 2002 evaluation suggested that the remains of the gasworks’ industrial processes,
particularly the gas-holders, had been substantially robbed away, but that elements of the
buildings, including the main Retort House, remained in a good state of preservation (FAS
2002). This work, and the borehole and window sample survey conducted in early 2006,
suggested that archaeological deposits survived between approximately 0.3m and 1m BGL
(Reeves 2006).
The site of the works lies c.350m south-east of the Roman Legionary Fortress but within the
area defined by the medieval city walls north-east of the River Ouse and north and west of the
course of the River Foss in this part of York (Fig 1). The ground lay at c.9.6m AOD.
The drift geology of the area is believed to be quite complex but is thought to be mainly boulder
clay but with pockets of alluvium, sand and gravel. This overlies the solid geology of Bunter
and Keuper Sandstones (Geological Survey 1967).
2. METHOD STATEMENT
2.1 The Excavation
Between 17 October and 19 December 2007, Ian Milsted of York Archaeological Trust (YAT)
directed an excavation on land to the south of Palmer Lane, York (NGR SE 4608 4552, Fig.
2). The work involved the excavation of an ‘L’-shaped trench measuring 25m long on the long
axis (NNW-SSE), 25m wide along the northern side and 15m wide along the southern side at
the modern ground level (Fig. 2).
The excavation was undertaken in order to recover any detailed information on the upper
archaeological stratigraphy in the area and in particular to record any surviving buried remains
of the 19th century gasworks and subsequent sawmill known to have existed in this area. This
archaeological work was undertaken as part of a condition of planning permission for the new
development. Some of the initial breaking-out and clearance work was carried out using a 360°
mechanical tracked excavator with toothed bucket and pneumatic breaker, but the majority of
the overburden was removed using a 1.8m wide toothless ditching bucket. The breaking-out
and stripping was undertaken by Ross Plant Hire Ltd and the work was continually monitored
by at least two archaeologists when machine excavation was in progress.
Concrete and levelling deposits associated with 20th century industrial and commercial activity
were removed by machine. Upon encountering the remains of the 19th/early 20th century
industrial activity, from a depth of around 0.3m, excavation was then undertaken by hand up
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 9Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
to a depth of approximately 1m BGL. The presence of a live electricity cable running across
the trench had been previously ascertained using a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and during
machine-stripping a 1m wide corridor was left along the course of this cable. This corridor was
not excavated, remaining as a standing baulk separating the southern area from the northern
area of the trench (Fig. 3).
It was also necessary to avoid areas of known hydrocarbon contamination (discussed in more
detail below) and also an exclusion zone around an area of Japanese Knotweed, which partly
dictated the shape and location of the trench (Fig. 3). In the final week of the excavation, a 5
tonne mechanical excavator was used in selected areas to remove large levelling and in-filling
deposits associated with the de-commissioning of the gasworks to assess the pre-gasworks
environment and obtain a sequence for the gasworks’ construction.
The archaeological features encountered were recorded using the standard YAT single
context recording system, using procedures laid down in the Trust’s fieldwork manual (YAT
2005). All significant standing sections were drawn and colour digital photographs were taken
for detailed recording and as record and working shots.
All finds recovered, stratified and unstratified, were retained. A limited number of environmental
samples were taken but not subsequently processed, due in part to contamination concerns,
discussed in more detail below.
All original site records for this excavation are currently stored with the York Archaeological
Trust under the Yorkshire Museum accession code YORYM: 2006.5201. Details of the
contexts recorded were entered into the York Archaeological Trust’s Integrated Archaeological
Database (IADB), Project 5000, as the fieldwork progressed. Each context was assigned to a
Set (representing a single event, such as a pit and its backfills). Each Set was in turn allocated
to a Group (a closely linked number of Sets, such as a group of pits). Finally each Group was
allocated to a Phase (more general units of land use, such as a yard). The phasing forms the
basic structure of the report on the archaeological results. Context numbers and the other
stratigraphic units for the Focal Building excavation identified in the report all have the prefix
77.
2.2 Contamination (Fig. 3)
The site of the Union Gasworks was found to have a residual amount of hydrocarbon and heavy
metals contamination following environmental test-pitting and borehole surveys conducted by
HYRL’s environmental consultants, Waterman Group. In particular, the area of a tar-pit to the
east of the excavation area was found to be significantly contaminated by benzene. To mitigate
the risk, this area was completely avoided by re-designing the shape and location of the trench.
In addition to the general contamination it was suspected that the local ground water may also
be affected, and for this reason, throughout the works, the archaeologists wore protective suits
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 10Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
and gloves which met the following specifications: EN14605 Type 4 Spray Tight, EN13982-1
(&2) Type 5 Particulate protection, and EN13034 Type 6 Reduced Spray. Each member of the
team was also issued with a ToxiRAE Personal Ionisation Detector (PID) supplied by Ribble
Enviro Ltd. The PIDs were set to detect low levels of dangerous Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) such as benzene, and to alarm if they recorded readings in excess of strict minimum
levels stipulated in the relevant EU legislation and guidelines, known as EH40 (HSC, October
2007). Procedures for site evacuation in the event of a serious alarm were put in place and
agreed by HYRL prior to the start of the archaeological work.
Very little evidence for significant contamination was actually encountered, although a
continuous low-level presence of VOCs was recorded. At no time, however, did these levels
exceed the long-term exposure limits stipulated by EH40. On one occasion, within a deep
sondage dug to locate the construction cut for the eastern gas-holder, an oily sheen was
observed on the surface of rising ground water at an approximate depth of 1.5m BGL, and the
PID of the archaeologist involved alarmed, indicating levels of VOCs in excess of the short-
term exposure limit. This sondage was abandoned immediately and archaeological recording
completed from the surface. The long-term exposure limit for the individual concerned was not
exceeded and care was taken to de-contaminate the equipment and PPE used in this aspect
of the excavation.
A small amount of heavy metals contamination was also encountered. In the only surviving
chamber of the gasworks, located in the south-west corner of the trench, a small quantity
of blue crystalline material was found, which was later identified as cyanide by Watermans
Group. Cyanide is a common by-product of town gas production (commonly referred to as
‘Blue Billy’). This material was sampled and removed under supervision. Additionally, a small
quantity of a green crystalline substance was found amongst the 19th century buildings in the
northern area of the site which was also sampled by Watermans Group and found to consist
of high concentrations of lead and barium. No further material of this nature was encountered
during the rest of the excavation.
Finally, the 20th century boiler chamber was filled with a mixture of brick rubble and asbestos,
and an area of cobbled yard in the northern part of the trench had been covered with soil
containing asbestos. This material, and related soils, were removed by asbestos specialists
under archaeological supervision.
Once the excavation was complete, all PPE was either cleaned or disposed of and all equipment
thoroughly washed to prevent cross-contamination. Procedures were devised to handle the
washing and processing of all finds recovered from the site and to cover any processing of the
samples taken during the excavation. The methodology used and information gathered during
the Focal Building excavation will inform the Block F excavations in the area of the Union
Gasworks, scheduled for autumn 2008.
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 11Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
3. RESULTS OF THE EXCAVATION
3.1 The York Union Gasworks, Phase 7700 (Fig. 4)
Several structures and a series of levelling deposits were identified as belonging to this phase
of activity, despite considerable re-use of some gasworks structures by a later sawmill and
severe truncation of all the gasworks remains by subsequent activity.
It was clear that the whole area in which the Union Gasworks were built had been substantially
raised and levelled by a series of sands and silty sands (Group 77000). In some places the
ground level had been lifted by at least 1.4m. It is probable that this is a conservative estimate
as neither a definite pre-19th century ground level nor the natural geological deposits were
encountered during the excavation. These levelling and make-up deposits were relatively free
of artefacts, in marked contrast to later levelling deposits which yielded moderate assemblages
of domestic pottery.
The remains of a substantial building were found in the southern part of the trench (Fig. 4), and
although obviously extensively modified, it was possible to ascribe several elements of it to the
gasworks phase. In particular, a group of good-quality internal brick walls and associated brick
and flagstone floors (Group 77001, Plate 1) together with early 19th century water drainage
pipes (Group 77002, Plate 2) were interpreted as a sub-floor chamber of the Union Gasworks
Retort House. This chamber survived alongside the very truncated remains of the original floor
level and possible internal walls surviving within a later use of the building immediately to the
east of the chamber (Group 77003, Plate 3). Importantly, no evidence for the main exterior wall
was found, suggesting substantial re-modelling in later periods, and discussed in more detail
below.
Partially within the chamber and running northwards away from it was a substantial length of
cast-iron pipe inside a large linear cut (Plate 4). This pipe, context 77366, has been identified as
a 4” diameter main gas pipe (B Champness pers comm.) which together with a 1 ¾” diameter
cast iron pipe, which ran parallel to the main gas pipe 1.5m to the east (Group 77009, Plate 5),
was found between the area of the Retort House and the location of the two gas-holders in the
northern area of the trench (Fig. 4). Several linear cut features associated with these pipes
may represent former or robbed elements of the same pipe system (Group 77012).
The main pipe, context 77366, was encountered continuing to the north of the Retort House,
and recorded as context 77408 (Plate 6). This lead directly to an area originally excavated by
FAS in 2002 (Fig. 8), where a large circular brick-built feature, context 77518, was located (Fig.
4). This structure was bonded with mortar and sat in a circular cut 3.5m across, with a clean
clay lining (Group 77005, Plate 7).
Very little survived of the massive gas-holder structures visible on the 1850 auction sale plan
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 12Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
(Fig. 11). These structures are commonly referred to as ‘gasometers’, which is a misnomer
dating from the early days of coal gas production (Hughes, 1853, 193-4). Gas-holder is the
correct term and is used throughout this report. The area of the eastern gas-holder was very
disturbed and difficult to determine. A small mechanical excavator was used to excavate a
sondage through successive dumping deposits associated with the post-demolition levelling
(Phase 7701, Group 77017, see below) up to 1.5m BGL. Part of a construction cut, context
77480, was encountered, containing a clay lining, context 77493. These formed part of a
probably circular feature, projected to be approximately 14m across, which was interpreted
as the remains of the eastern gas-holder (group 77007, Plates 8 and 22). No brick walls were
found, and the feature was clearly truncated by a very large robbing or clearance cut (Context
77485, see below).
The only other element of the gasworks encountered during the excavation was the eastern
boundary wall (Group 77004, Plate 10). This comprised a massive brick-built structure, 0.80m
across and supported on the western side by three substantial brick-built buttresses up to
0.60m across. This wall survived to a height of 8 courses, measuring 0.65m deep, and was
footed by a 1.1m wide deposit of clean clay at least 0.70m deep. The size of this wall is in
marked contrast to any other structure of the gasworks phase. Finally, a small circular brick-
built structure was found, context 77473, 3m to the east of the large brick-built circular feature
77518, referred to above, (also in Group 77005; Fig. 4 and Plate 10). This was also clay lined
and capped with a flagstone and was interpreted as a well.
3.2 De-commissioning of the gasworks, Phase 7701 (Fig. 5)
The 1850 de-commissioning of the Union Gasworks removed virtually all of the above-ground
structures save the eastern boundary wall (Group 77004) and the chimney of the Retort House
(Timms 2002, 6).
The northern wall of the Retort House was completely demolished and its footings removed
prior to the construction of the Sawmill main building (see Figs 4 and 6 for the change to this
building). During demolition, the well, context 77473 and the probable gas-inlet context 77518
(Group 77005) were in-filled with dumps of soil and brick-rubble (Group 77013) and the gas-
holders were demolished and the sub-surface brick walls almost completely robbed out. Only
the severely truncated remains of the clay lining were observed in the eastern gas-holder,
which was removed and the subsequent void in-filled with a series of dump deposits (Group
77015), seen to a depth of 1.5m BGL.
The gas pipe, context 77366/77408, interpreted as the gasworks main, was left in-situ, and
was subsequently connected to an unknown structure associated with the later sawmill.
There appears to have been a wholesale removal of most above-ground equipment and
structures leaving only the buried pipe network and the lower portions of the more deeply-dug
structures.
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 13Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
3.3 The Hungate Sawmill, Phase 7702 (Fig. 6)
The area of the former gasworks was cleared, with most of the buildings being demolished
(Groups 77020 and 77021) and levelled over with material (Group 77017) that contained
much larger quantities of domestic ceramics than the earlier levelling deposits associated
with the pre-gasworks ground make-up. Early features cut into this levelling included several
pits (Group 77018) and drainage features (Group 77016), the backfills of which contained
the broken remains of glazed ceramic pipes which may well have been part of the process of
drawing off toxic liquids from the gasworks retorts (B Champness, pers comm.). It would also
appear that the levelling material contained pottery deliberately broken into smaller pieces,
probably imported from elsewhere and processed to some extent before being spread over the
site (Dr A Mainman, pers comm.).
The 1909 Ordnance Survey map suggests that the main sawmill building represented a
major alteration to the gasworks Retort House and the archaeological evidence supports this
entirely. The floors and chamber/cellar referred to in section 3.1 had clearly been modified with
new brick-built walls (Group 77026) and replacement brick floor surfaces of an inferior quality
to those of the earlier gasworks (Group 77025) which sealed new drains and a gas pipe that
cut the earlier floors (Group 77022). Group 77025 includes a stone threshold and the lower
rail for a sliding door (Plate 11), dating from the mid 19th century onwards (B. Champness pers.
comm.) and, most significantly, the insertion of a large machine-cut iron pipe into the 1830s
gas main pipe, context 77366, referred to above (Plate 4). This alteration cannot pre-date the
1880s (B.Champness, pers comm.) and helps to explain why a gas pipe seems to obliterate
the remains of the Retort House north wall.
No evidence for the gasworks Retort House north wall was found, and the fragments of
surviving sawmill north wall had clearly been inserted along with the floor modifications
following the demolition of the gasworks. Fragments of a room projecting north from the
main sawmill building (Group 77030) match an additional structure that appears on the 1907
sanitation map (Fig. 14) marked as a boiler house. This was found in close proximity to a large
stone slab interpreted as a machine base (context 77340, Plate 12), clearly inserted into the
modified floors and almost certainly part of the power source for the sawmill.
A new western boundary wall extended to the north of the main sawmill building, and a
bay-fronted brick-built building added (Group 77024, Plate 13), which appears in the 1907
sanitation map as a stable. This building and its associated drainage (Group 77037) and
services, including a probable late gas pipe (Group 77022) were bounded by a brick-built yard
surface (Group 77031, Plates 14 and 15). This surface was severely truncated, but once again
the quality of the brick was markedly inferior to that used in the Union Gasworks.
Lying to the north of the main sawmill building and its additions was a well-made cobbled lane
(Group 77027, Plate 16) and an associated series of cobbled yard surfaces (Group 77028,
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 14Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
Plate 17) and cinder yard surfaces (Group 77029). These correlate with those found by FAS
in 2002, and represent the eastern end of Sawmill Lane, with the yard entrance to the sawmill
and its interior yard space. Sealed beneath the lane and yard surface to the east were two
linear cuts containing in-situ lengths of narrow metal pipe (also Group 77022), identified as 1/2”
conduit, possibly to carry early electricity cables from no earlier than the 1880s (B.Champness,
pers comm.).
The cobbled yard was observed across an area some 36 square metres across. To the west of
the yard, in the north-west corner of the trench, the brick-built remains of building footings were
found (Group 77032, Plate 17), cut into the yard and correlating with structures shown on the
1909 OS map (Fig. 12) and shown as stables on the 1907 Sanitation map (Fig. 14). These had
been severely truncated by the ground clearance for the later coachworks. The eastern-most
wall, context 77112/77056, appeared to form part of the western boundary of the sawmill yard.
On the other side of the yard, 6m to the east of the stables, a truncated brick-surface, context
77092 (Plate 18) surviving in an area 18 square metres across was associated with a series of
small brick built pile footings 0.30m across (Group 77034) and a ceramic drain (Group 77033).
All of these had clearly been inserted through the cobbled yard, with the cobbles re-lain over
its backfill. These features were interpreted as a shed, added during the sawmill’s lifetime, and
indeed appear on the 1907 sanitation map as a ‘timber store’ (Fig. 14).
Finally, a poor-quality single-skin brick wall with crude buttresses, context 77007, had clearly
been added to the exterior of the gasworks eastern boundary wall and a series of levelling
layers deposited against it, interpreted as yard make-up deposits (Group 77019, Plate 19).
These appear to represent the boundary of yards extending westwards from Lower Dundas
Street which, whilst not directly associated with the sawmill, seem nevertheless to date from
roughly the same period. Very little information was obtainable for these deposits.
3.4 The Derwent Coachworks, Phase 7703 (Fig. 7)
Above-ground structures relating to the Derwent Coachworks had been cleared away prior to
the commencement of the excavation but substantial sub-surface remains were encountered.
It was clear that the main sawmill building and its bay-fronted stable annexe had been
demolished, with even the foundations completely removed in the case of the main building,
and many of the services robbed out (Groups 77035 and 77036). The drainage of the bay-
fronted stable complex had been substantially modified and connected to the modern system
(Groups 77037 and 77038). This system consisted of an extensive network of concrete-lined
ceramic pipe drains connecting three brick-built inspection chambers (Group 77040) which
served a building whose concrete footings (Group 77041) were removed during machine-
clearance. These, along with a brick-built, concrete lined chamber, a concrete surfaced vehicle
ramp and a very substantial brick-built addition to the original sawmill boundary wall (Group
77041, Plates 13, 14 and 20) were found to have severely truncated many earlier underlying
archaeological structures and deposits.
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 15Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
3.5 Modern Activity, Phase 7704 (Fig. 8)
The modern activity was represented by boreholes and large test-pits associated with the geo-
technical and environmental survey undertaken in July 2006. Also included in this phase was
the machine clearance of the current trench, two of the 2002 evaluation trenches excavated
by Field Archaeology Specialists and a group of disturbances and modern electricity cable
trenches, one of which was still live, as discussed above.
4. FINDS ASSESSMENT
4.1 Pottery by Dr A. J. Mainman
4.1.1 Introduction
A small assemblage of pottery was recovered most of which dates to the second half of the
19th century.
The pottery catalogue, listed by phase, can be found in APPENDIX 1.
Phase 7700 The York Union Gasworks
A small assemblage of twenty-nine sherds were recovered from this phase. This included a
range of pottery types of broadly mid or second half of the 19th century with one or two sherds
of earlier residual material, including Humber ware.
Phase 7701 De-commissioning of the Union Gasworks
A similar range of material was incorporated into the levels associated with the de-
commissioning of the gas works although there is a larger quantity of upcast earlier medieval
material.
Phase 7702 The Hungate Sawmill
Group 77017 produced a range of household wares of the second half of the 19th century
which included both table wares and kitchen wares. The small size of many of the sherds
suggest that this is redeposited material which, in some cases, has been crushed at some
point into small (20mm x 20mm) size sherds.
Group 77018 produced the same range of material with the addition of two sherds which might
have served an industrial rather than domestic function.
Group 77019 again produced the same range of domestic material much of it encrusted with
plaster.
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 16Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
Group 77020 produced a slightly earlier range of material, but there are also mid 19th century
sherds associated with it. Two contexts produced example of a distinctive narrow diameter
(c. 100mm) earthenware pipe with a good quality internal glaze which almost certainly has an
industrial function.
Group 77021 produced very little useful pottery.
Group 77022 produced further examples of the industrial pipes together with contemporary
household material and earlier medieval pottery.
Group 77027 produced no pottery later than 15th century but this is all thought to be residual.
Group 77028 produced only two 19th century sherds.
Group 77029 produced only 19th century domestic pottery.
Group 77033 produced only 19th century domestic pottery.
Group 77040 produced further examples of the industrial pipes together with a further example
of the industrial ceramic pipe.
Phase 7703 The Derwent Coachworks
A small assemblage of pottery from this phase incorporated 15th century wares including
part of a Dutch frying pan as well as local wares. Context 77205, however, produced further
examples of the ceramic pipe referred to above.
Phase 7704 Modern activity
The uppermost levels of the site produced a large collection of the typical domestic and
household wares seen on other parts of the site as well as parts of a few ornaments. A small
amount of residual material has become incorporated into the deposit.
4.1.2 Summary
Given the industrial character of this part of the site through most of the period excavated, it
is unlikely that any of the pottery found on the site relates to its changing functions. It is more
likely that domestic refuse has become incorporated into the layers accidentally or has been
dumped there periodically. The only exceptions are the fragments of ceramic pipes which may
have served as some form of insulation to metal pipes. The very high quality of the smooth
internal glaze, and the consistent diameter (c. 100mm), suggests that these pipes had a
particular, though unknown, function.
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 17Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
It is recommended that, with the possible exception of the pipes until they are better understood,
this assemblage is ultimately discarded as it offers little information about this part of the site,
and in chronological terms, is better represented elsewhere on the Hungate development.
4.2 Ceramic Building Material by Jane McComish
4.2.1 Introduction
A total of 343.44kg of Ceramic Building Material (CBM) was examined from the Focal Building
Area of the Hungate excavations. A number of forms were identified ranging from Roman
to modern in date, but the overwhelming bulk was of early 19th century date. The CBM was
recorded following standard YAT procedures.
The 19th and 20th century brick retrieved for analysis represents a sample of the total brick
assemblage from these periods.
The ceramic building material catalogue, listed by context, can be found in APPENDIX 2.
4.2.2 Roman and Medieval material
The only Roman material present was two residual fragments of Roman tegula, both of which
were abraded.
The medieval material mainly comprised roofing types of 13th-16th century date (plain, peg,
and ridge tiles). There was one peg tile with a diamond shaped peg hole 13x13mm in size.
There were 19 plain tile fragments; the only features present relating to manufacture were one
overfired and warped tile and one with grip marks on the rear. There was a single fragment of
ridge tile. There were two fragments of medieval brick of 14th-16th century date, both of which
were made in sanded moulds.
Comparing this material to the pottery dating and the stratigraphy for the site shows that all of
the medieval material is residual.
4.2.3 Post-medieval material
Twelve fragments of pan tile of 17th century or later date were present. In addition there were
eight fragments of post-medieval brick of 16th-18th century date, which ranged in thickness
from 48-61mm and in breadth from 113-4mm. No lengths were present. All the bricks were
slop-moulded (using a wetted rather than a sanded mould) and two were badly cracked and
warped due to poor firing.
The brick in contexts 77265 and 77461 was residual in contexts dated by pottery as 19th
century. There was also a fragment of a paver, probably of 18th century or later date. A single
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 18Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
fragment of blue and white wall tile depicting a man in what appears to be a 17th century
costume sitting on a horse was also present. This may be a Dutch tile and could be of 17th-18th
century date.
4.2.4 19th/20th century material
As stated above the overwhelming bulk of the sampled collection was of 19th-20th century date.
79% of the material collected was early 19th century brick. These bricks ranged in thickness
from 63-90mm, in breadth from 93-125mm and in length from 220-258mm. The 93mm wide
brick is exceptionally narrow. The bricks were all slop-moulded. Turning marks were present
on twelve of the bricks. Three bricks had rain marks on the upper surfaces, one had grass-
marks on the lower surface and worm marks were seen on the lower surfaces of five bricks,
indicating that in these cases the material had been dried outdoors as opposed to stacked in
a shed. Eighteen of the bricks were overfired resulting in cracking or blowing, and two were
poorly made with very uneven surfaces. Four bricks had a heavily worn surface perhaps
suggesting they had been used in floors (Contexts 77278, 77024 and 77394). One brick had
a groove of unknown function worn into the header (Context 77455). There were four wire cut
bricks of early-mid 19th century date.
A small quantity of machine made material dating to 1850 or later was also present. This
included a quarry tile with a makers stamp, three fragments of brown glazed sewer pipe and
part of a grid-housing. The machine made bricks included five firebricks, one of which had
part of a stamp present on the upper bed, though insufficient to identify the manufacturer. A
second firebrick had a stamp on the stretcher, which is unusual. Again this stamp was not
fully preserved but the upper line read W and the lower line EEDS, presumably indicating
manufacture in Leeds. A third firebrick was covered all over with iron concretion. There
were four bricks, one of which had a partial stamp saying CHAS MAT and CASTLE (possibly
Castleford) BRICK CO LTD. A second brick bore the stamp LBC (the London Brick Company).
There was also a bullnose brick.
4.2.5 Summary
Little of interest is present among the CBM, the material being typical for York in terms of both
the fabrics and forms recovered. The only unusual fragment was the firebrick with a stamp on
the stretcher. As with other material excavated from Hungate the quality of the bricks is often
poor, which fits with the low-status of the area in the 19th century.
4.3 Architectural Fragments by Jane McComish
4.3.1 Summary
A single architectural fragment was recovered. AF67 was a small rectangular block of white
marble (240x90x20mm) with five faces surviving which had been broken off at one end. It was
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 19Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
probably from flooring or a fireplace surround. It probably dates from the late 19th century.
4.4 Small Find Assessment by Nicola Rogers
4.4.1 Introduction
The small finds catalogue, listed by small finds number, can be found in APPENDIX 3.
4.4.2 Summary
The majority of the small finds comprises a collection of ironwork representative of material
possibly associated with the gasworks; these include pipes, other structural ironwork, and
possible tools. The remainder of the ironwork has been kept as bulk finds having been assessed
by an industrial archaeologist and deemed not worthy of further recording or research.
All of the small finds made of materials other than iron were recovered unstratified from
context 77000. They include the copper alloy coin (sf04114) which has not been X-rayed, but
appears to be a penny of 18th century or later date, and a substantial stone mortar (sf04122) of
probable 19th century date. The tobacco pipe fragments (sf04036) have not been identified by
a specialist, but have been provisionally been dated as 18th century or later.
4.5 Glass (Identification by Dr J. Kemp, summary by Dr A J Mainman)
4.5.1 Introduction
The glass catalogue, listed by phase, can be found in APPENDIX 4.
4.5.2 Summary
This small assemblage is mostly of a domestic and household character and little of the
material is likely to relate to the function of the various industries which operated from the
site. Glass tube fragments found in contexts 77000 and 77208 may have had some industrial
function and/or may relate to the ceramic pipe fragments discussed in the pottery report
although the function of both these categories of material is unknown.
Some of the glass types have a wide date range and the earliest possible date for certain types
has been added into the comments. As with the pottery, some of the glass is clearly residual
from earlier episodes of activity on the site. It is unlikely that any of this material will be worth
retaining as there are better examples from other areas of the Hungate excavations.
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 20Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
5. DOCUMENTARY ASSESSMENT by Jayne Rimmer
5.1 Introduction
By 1821, every town in the United Kingdom with a population greater than 50,000 had a gas
company, and by 1826, most towns of more than 10,000 had this service (Falkus 1967, 496).
Gas was first supplied in York in 1824. The York Gas Light Company set up the first gasworks
in the city between the River Foss and Monkgate (Golisti 1987, 29). Throughout the 19th
century, basic services in York such as gas, water, electricity and the fire brigade, were in
private ownership (Royle 2001, 264-7; Tillott, 1961, 460-72). The York Gas Light Company
(hereafter YGLC), held a monopoly in gas production until 1837, when the York Union Gas
Light Company (hereafter YUGLC) established a rival gasworks in Hungate (ibid). Although
the history of these two companies had been dealt with in previous examinations of the gas
industry in York (York Gas Company 1924, Tillott 1961, Golisti 1987, Timms 2002), the current
excavation of the gasworks site in Hungate has raised further questions about the nature and
extent of these works, which in turn call for a re-appraisal of the documentary evidence. It is
fortunate that a rich archive survives for both the YGLC and the YUGLC, including director’s
minute books, building committee minute books, letter books, deeds and contracts which can
shed further light on the construction and development of the gasworks in Hungate, and the
relationship between the two companies (YCA, Acc 128; NGA: NE/YOG).
5.2 The Pre-Gasworks Site
In the early 19th century, the land between Palmer Lane and the River Foss was characterised
by orchards and gardens. Baines’ map of 1822 shows that the plot of land on which the
gasworks was erected was largely undeveloped, except for a small group of buildings situated
in the north-west corner (Fig. 9). Furthermore, Hungate was the only main road which gave
direct access to the river bank at this time.
Prior to the 1830s, the site appears to have been in the possession of a number of remote
landowners. In April 1828, Reverend Lucas of Edith Weston in Rutland, inherited the land
from his wife, Elizabeth, who had herself inherited it from her brother, John Armitage esquire,
of Wakefield, eight years previously (NGA, NE: YOG/L/T/1). Although the deeds to the site
suggest that the land contained a dwelling house, it is probable, given that neither Armitage
nor Lucas lived locally, that they leased the site out and made a profit from its rent.
On the 2nd May 1836, the site was purchased by a York builder, Thomas Arthur. At this time,
it comprised 4225 square yards, bounded on the north by Palmer Lane, on the south by the
river Foss, on the west by Foss Lane (Hungate) and on the east by further land owned by Mr
John Smith, George Corner and unnamed others (NGA, NE:YOG/L/T/1). Thomas Arthur (also
described as a bricklayer) owned several plots of land and buildings in Hungate. In the early
19th century, he owned the Cordwainer’s Hall in Hungate, cottages in Rusby Place and land on
the north-east side of Dundas Street (YCA, TC 1479/3; TC 1458/3). It is no exaggeration that
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 21Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
Arthur lived closer to the site than its previous owners; his will of 1848 recorded that he was
from Palmer Lane, Hungate (YCA, TC 1479/3).
Thomas Arthur owned this site for only 3 months. While the reason for this is not clear, he does
not appear to have favoured the site for any major re-development. Instead, he used it for the
storage of building materials such as bricks, timber and stone (ibid). When he came to sell, a
cottage and ‘other erections’ were located in the north-west corner of the site (Fig. 10), and a
shed was positioned in the north-east corner (NGA, NE:YOG/L/T/1). While it is probable that
Arthur was responsible for the erection of the shed, the buildings in the north-west corner could
have been the older buildings shown on Baines’ map of 1822 (Fig. 9).
On the 3rd August 1836, Thomas Arthur sold the site to the YUGLC. He had reduced the size of
the plot by 65 square yards in order to retain ownership of the shed in the north-east corner of
the site (NGA, NE:YOG/L/T/1). This was indicated on the plan by a rectangular-shaped cut-out
(Fig. 10). This boundary was revealed as part of the excavation. (Group 77004)
The YUGLC had carefully selected the Hungate site for their gasworks from a number of
potential locations across the city. Gasworks were often situated on river frontages so that raw
materials could be transported directly to them by boat (Hughes 1853, 250). However, this
was not the only reason why this site was chosen over a lead works at Fishergate Postern and
another piece of land at the bottom of Hungate (YCA, Acc 128/19). The directors also chose
this particular site because of its central location, which meant that they could decrease the
length of their larger mains, and because it offered low-lying ground with adequate foundations
(YCA, Acc 128/18).
The establishment of a gasworks contributed to the rapid development of the Hungate area as
a whole across the second quarter of the 19th century. A comparison between Baines’ map of
1822 and the OS map of 1852, shows how extensively the land closest to the River Foss was
developed within a short period of time (Figs 9 and 12). However, unlike the land to the north
of Palmer Lane, the river-bank proved advantageous for large-scale industrial development as
well as domestic housing.
5.3 The Establishment of York Union Gasworks
The early success of the YUGLC was no doubt a result of the ambitions of its directors. In
February 1837, they anticipated that ‘… when complete the York Union Gas Light Company’s
works will rank amongst the best constructed in the Country’ (YCA, Acc 128/18a). The first
general meeting was held in the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall in Fossgate on the 17th May
1836 (YCA, Acc 128/18a). Just over a year later, they had designed, constructed and put
into motion a fully-working gasworks which provided a service for commercial, industrial and
domestic property across the city (YCA, Acc 128/18b, August 1837). What made this feat all
the more impressive, was the fact that the YUGLC was set up by a group of local businessmen
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 22Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
who were successful in their own right, but appear to have had little first-hand experience
of working in the industry. The director, Charles Heneage Elsley, was a barrister at law and
held the office of Recorder on the city council (City of York Supplemental Yearbook 1928,
43-4). His deputy, Robert Cattle and a further committee member William Stephenson Clark
also held civic offices across the 1830s and 40s (ibid). Many of the committee members and
shareholders appear not to have had direct links with the gas industry.
The company was formally incorporated by Deed of Settlement on the 26th January 1837.
156 shareholders were entered onto this document. The largest shareholding group were
Innkeepers and Publicans (18) followed by 13 Butchers and 12 Grocers, 10 Linen and Woollen
Drapers and 4 Doctors/Surgeons (Golisti 1987, 41). It was not unusual for shares in gas
companies to be held by people who either lived or had a business within the distribution area
of their supplier (Wilson 1991, 209). Local businesses and professional people were often
willing to support new ventures in return for a regular supply of gas lighting in their shops and
factories (ibid, 209-12).
Despite their lack of experience in the gas industry, the company directors ensured that
the design and construction of the gasworks was in experienced hands. In June 1836 they
advertised for an ‘experienced working engineer who is well acquainted with the erection of
Gas Works, laying mains etc’ (YCA, Acc 128/19). They filled the post with a Mr Hutchison
who worked for a gasworks in Vauxhall, London, which was established in 1833 (YCA, Acc
128/18a, b, 19; Everard 1949, 102). In August 1837, they employed a general manager and
clerk by the name of Joseph Braddock, a gas engineer from Preston Gasworks, to superintend
the engineering department and general operations of the works (YCA, Acc 128/18a, b,
19). Outside of London, Preston was the first town to have its streets lit by gas (Barty-King
1984, 55). The YUGLC had thus enlisted engineers from two companies at the forefront of
British gas technology to help establish the Hungate gasworks. They also expanded their
knowledge-base by visiting gasworks in Leeds and Sheffield and observing the operations
of these companies (YCA, Acc 128/18a). Furthermore, the Company employed well-known
York architects to design their gasworks (YCA, Acc 128/18a, b, 19). Matthew Oates and Mr
Pickergill had recently won a high-profile tender with the Corporation to re-design the city
marketplace (Council Minute Book 1827-35, 232-30).
The construction of the gasworks began in July 1836, when the company arranged for a new
water wall to be constructed on the river front (see APPENDIX 5). This allowed easy access
to building materials, and later raw materials, brought to the site by boat. In August 1836,
contracts were drawn-up for the construction of sheds, workshops, offices, the chimney, tanks
and the station meter house. Pipes were ordered and a crane and a hydraulic pump were
purchased. The following month, a contract for laying the pipes was made and stone was
purchased for the foundations of the retort house. A joiner was also contracted to construct a
lodge and offices in the north-west corner of the site (Fig. 11), in which Joseph Braddock, the
company manager lived free of rent and was provided with coals and light at the company’s
York Archaeological Trust Report 2008/5 23Focal Building: Hungate Development, York
expense (NGA, NE: YOG/A/F/5 Fig. 11). In December 1836, the retort house and an octagon-
shaped chimney, 112 ft high from the ground, were constructed, and the mains were finally laid
throughout the city. By the spring of 1837, the retort beds were being set, the condensers had
been cast and the first gas-holder had been erected. Despite the fact that the site had been
selected because of its good foundations, the building contracts suggest that a certain amount
of re-levelling was necessary in the construction of the site (NGA, NE: YOG/L/G/1).
At the annual general meeting in May 1837, it was reported that the retorts were capable
of carbonising one ton of coal to each furnace (YCA, Acc 128/18a). The company had first
decided to erect a double gasometer at the site (see page 13 for a discussion of this term);
however, this decision had been reviewed and two separate structures were used instead
(YCA, Acc 128/19). A second gas-holder was purchased and erected in the summer, along
with the purifiers and a boundary wall around Thomas Arthur’s shed. Gas meters were also
ordered from London. Credit meters were introduced in the 1820s and were particularly
advantageous to gas companies because they allowed consumption to be measured and
charged with accuracy (Matthews 1986, 250-3).
By May 1838, 720 service pipes had been laid across the city and were reported to be in full
operation (YCA, Acc 128/18a). They stretched across the whole of the city centre through
Pavement, Parliament Street, Coney Street, Lendal, Davygate, Feasegate, Jubbergate,
the marketplace, Swinegate and Spen Lane, Grape Lane around the Minster in Petergate,
Stonegate, Little Stonegate and Goodramgate. To the north of the city they reached Monkgate,
Gillygate and Bootham, to the south and east Fossgate, Walmgate and Lawrence Street, and
to the west Low Ousegate and across the river Ouse to Skeldergate, Micklegate, North Street,
Blossom Street. Unfortunately the records are silent on how they spanned the rivers in York.
The pipe network was influenced by the position of shareholders houses and businesses
throughout the city. The Company ensured that they were supplied with gas from the outset
(YCA, Acc 128/18a). Salesmen were also employed to tout for business throughout the city.
In June 1837, they employed agents to ‘… solicit the custom of every person within the limit of
the company’s mains except those who are known to be shareholders in the old company...’
(YCA, Acc 128/19). The retailing sector remained the largest market for gas lighting throughout
the 19th century, and only the larger homes of wealthy inhabitants were connected up to the
mains from the outset. The widespread adoption of gaslight in private households was not
established until after 1850 (Falkus 1967, 495; Matthews 1986, 246). Some of the businesses
and houses in the Hungate area were supplied with gas in the 1830s. For example, William
Greenwood on Stonebow Lane had gas in his workshops and Mr Jackson in Hungate and
Matthew Rymer in Peaseholme Green were also supplied with gas (YCA, Acc 128/17).
The Company’s service and repair book also records further requests for gas in Hungate,
including John Hart, a butcher, Mr Sellers and George Morley (ibid). In August 1837, a
main was laid in Palmer Lane to supply Mr Arthur with gas and any other consumers in that
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