Archaeologists digging on the remains of a priory located beneath a defunct department store in Pembrokeshire, UK, on Tuesday revealed the bones of around 240 people, including children.
According to the BBC, scientists who believe the remains are those of inhabitants of a St. Saviour’s Priory, thought to have been founded by an order of Dominican monks in 1256, are describing the discovery as a “window into mediaeval Haverfordwest” (the location in Wales). The “hugely significant” discovery was made beneath the historic Ocky White structure, which apparently shut down in 2013 after nearly a century of occupancy.
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According to a report, site manager Andrew Shobbrook called the priory “a significant complex of structures including dormitories, scriptoriums” (or writing chambers in mediaeval European monasteries). “Being buried there is truly an honour. You have a variety of people, from the affluent to ordinary local residents, “added he.
The graveyards may have been in use up to the 18th century, according to experts. Additionally, they think that the fact that half of the bones are those of children indicates a high mortality rate at the period. Before being reburied, the bones will be examined for additional information.
The discovery of remains with head wounds, according to Shobbrook, showed their involvement in conflicts with wounds from musket balls or arrows. We are aware that Owain Glyndr besieged the town in 1405, and these may be the casualties of that struggle.
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“Never in my wildest dreams did I believe I would be engaged in anything so important,” said archaeologist Gaby Lester of the discovery, adding that the site represents a significant part of Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire’s history. According to the BBC, the location is being renovated to turn it into a restaurant, bar, and rooftop terrace.
