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Skeletons: Remains of 240 people under Haverfordwest store Skeletons: Remains of 240 people under Haverfordwest store
(5 months later)
Some remains have been found with head injuries, possibly caused by a battle involving arrows or musket ballsSome remains have been found with head injuries, possibly caused by a battle involving arrows or musket balls
Some remains have been found with head injuries, possibly caused by a battle involving arrows or musket ballsSome remains have been found with head injuries, possibly caused by a battle involving arrows or musket balls
The remains of more than 240 people, including children, have been unearthed by archaeologists working on the remnants of a medieval priory found beneath a former department store.The remains of more than 240 people, including children, have been unearthed by archaeologists working on the remnants of a medieval priory found beneath a former department store.
The "hugely significant" discovery was made under the old Ocky White building in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.The "hugely significant" discovery was made under the old Ocky White building in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
Archaeologists believe the ruins are from St Saviour's Priory, founded by a Dominican order of monks in about 1256.Archaeologists believe the ruins are from St Saviour's Priory, founded by a Dominican order of monks in about 1256.
One expert said it offered a "window into medieval Haverfordwest".One expert said it offered a "window into medieval Haverfordwest".
Ocky White was a popular store for more than a century before its riverside premises closed in 2013.Ocky White was a popular store for more than a century before its riverside premises closed in 2013.
Some skulls have been found with injuries consistent with having been in battle, according to the expertsSome skulls have been found with injuries consistent with having been in battle, according to the experts
Site supervisor Andrew Shobbrook, from Dyfed Archaeological Trust, described the priory as a significant complex of buildings with dormitories, scriptoriums - rooms devoted to writing and manuscripts - stables and a hospital.Site supervisor Andrew Shobbrook, from Dyfed Archaeological Trust, described the priory as a significant complex of buildings with dormitories, scriptoriums - rooms devoted to writing and manuscripts - stables and a hospital.
"It's quite a prestigious place to be buried. You have a range of people, from the wealthy to general townsfolk," he said."It's quite a prestigious place to be buried. You have a range of people, from the wealthy to general townsfolk," he said.
It is believed that the graveyard could have been used until the early 18th Century.It is believed that the graveyard could have been used until the early 18th Century.
Seventeen skeletons found in shopping centre digSeventeen skeletons found in shopping centre dig
Race against sea to unearth hillfort historyRace against sea to unearth hillfort history
Hundreds of medieval bodies excavated from sandsHundreds of medieval bodies excavated from sands
Archaeologists believe the ruins are from a 13th Century priory, including a hospitalArchaeologists believe the ruins are from a 13th Century priory, including a hospital
Ocky White was a popular shopping mainstay for more than a century before its riverside premises closed in 2013Ocky White was a popular shopping mainstay for more than a century before its riverside premises closed in 2013
About half of the remains are those of children, which is said to be a reflection of their high mortality rate at the time.About half of the remains are those of children, which is said to be a reflection of their high mortality rate at the time.
All the bones will be analysed by a specialist before being reburied on consecrated ground nearby.All the bones will be analysed by a specialist before being reburied on consecrated ground nearby.
Some of the remains have been found with head injuries, consistent with having been in battle, and the wounds could have been caused by arrows or musket balls, according to Mr Shobbrook.Some of the remains have been found with head injuries, consistent with having been in battle, and the wounds could have been caused by arrows or musket balls, according to Mr Shobbrook.
Hundreds of remains and artefacts have been unearthedHundreds of remains and artefacts have been unearthed
Tiles have also been found at the siteTiles have also been found at the site
It is believed that the graveyard could have been used until the early 18th CenturyIt is believed that the graveyard could have been used until the early 18th Century
3,000-year-old house found in archaeological dig3,000-year-old house found in archaeological dig
Bronze Age axes and spears declared treasureBronze Age axes and spears declared treasure
One theory is that the victims could date from an attack led by Owain Glyndŵr, who was the last native Welsh person to hold the title Prince of Wales.One theory is that the victims could date from an attack led by Owain Glyndŵr, who was the last native Welsh person to hold the title Prince of Wales.
It was a joint assault by Welsh and French forces, who had united to battle English occupation of Wales.It was a joint assault by Welsh and French forces, who had united to battle English occupation of Wales.
"We know that the town was besieged in 1405 by Owain Glyndŵr and they could be victims of that conflict," said Mr Shobbrook."We know that the town was besieged in 1405 by Owain Glyndŵr and they could be victims of that conflict," said Mr Shobbrook.
The remains and other finds, including tiles, are being stored at a nearby disused shop after being cleaned and dried.The remains and other finds, including tiles, are being stored at a nearby disused shop after being cleaned and dried.
Archaeologists Andrew Shobbrook and Gaby Lester say the finds are significantArchaeologists Andrew Shobbrook and Gaby Lester say the finds are significant
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would involved in something so big," said archaeologist Gaby Lester."Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would involved in something so big," said archaeologist Gaby Lester.
"The site is showing itself to be massive part of the history of Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire."The site is showing itself to be massive part of the history of Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire.
"It can be slightly overwhelming at times but it's also quite humbling to be part of that person's journey.""It can be slightly overwhelming at times but it's also quite humbling to be part of that person's journey."
The site is being redeveloped to become a food emporium, bar and rooftop terrace.The site is being redeveloped to become a food emporium, bar and rooftop terrace.
Related Topics
Archaeology
Haverfordwest
History