Archeologists working on the fragments of a monastery, under a former department store, discovered remains of more than 240 people, including children, in Wales’ Pembrokeshire.
According to BBC, experts have named this discovery a “window into medieval Haverfordwest (the area in Wales)” and believe the remains found are of the residents of St. Saviour’s Priory which may have been established by the Dominican monks in 1256.
The remains were found beneath the old Ocky White building which is said to have closed in 2013.
Andrew Shobbrook, the site’s supervisor, described the priory as a ‘significant complex of buildings with dormitories, scriptoriums (rooms in medieval European monasteries used for writing).’ He said, “It is quite a prestigious place to be buried. You have a range of people, from the wealthy to general townsfolks.”
Experts claim that the graveyard may have been used till the 18th century. They also believe that half of the remains of children indicate a high mortality rate at that time. Before being reburied, the bones will be examined.
Till now, the indications of head injuries indicate wounds caused by arrows or musket balls, as per Shobbrook. “We know that the town was besieged in 1405 by Owain Glyndwr and they could be victims of that conflict”, he said.
Archaeologist Gaby Lester said, “never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be involved in something so big.” The site constitutes a huge part of Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire’s history.
The site is being rebuilt into a food emporium, bar, and rooftop terrace.
