Hundreds of bones were found under an old department store in Pembrokeshire. In Pembrokeshire, among the ruins of a medieval priory, the skeletal remains of more than 240 persons, including the bodies of over 100 children, have been found buried beneath the site of a former department store.
Archaeologists have reason to suspect that they have uncovered the remains of St. Saviour’s Priory underneath the Haverfordwest location of the former Ocky White store, which shut its doors in 2013.
There are the skeletal remains of two hundred and forty people scattered around the ruins of the old priory. According to the BBC, around half of the remains are that of children, which is a reflection of the high death rate that children experienced during that time.
The priory has been described as “a vast complex of buildings,” including dormitories, scriptoriums, stables, and a hospital. Additionally, the priory is said to have included stables.
Andrew Shobbrook, the site supervisor for the Dyfed Archaeological Trust, remarked, “It’s rather a prestigious place to be buried. You have a diverse population, ranging from high society to the common citizens of the town.
The skeletal remains are going to be examined prior to being reinterred on the holy ground. Shobbrook informed the broadcaster that some of the victims have head wounds that are consistent with injuries sustained during combat. The wounds could have been inflicted by arrows or musket balls, according to Shobbrook.
According to one hypothesis, the victims may have been the result of an assault carried out by French and Welsh forces, which was directed by the rebel commander Owain Glyndr.
According to what Shobbrook had to say, “We know that the town was besieged in 1405 by Owain Glyndr, and they could be casualties of the conflict.”
A statement made by an archaeologist named Gaby Lester can be summarised as follows: “Never in my wildest thoughts did I believe I would be involved with anything so significant.” It is becoming clear that this location played a significant role in the history of both Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire. Being a part of another person’s journey is both an honor and a privilege; however, there are moments when it might feel a little bit overwhelming.
It is possible that people continued to bury their dead at this location as late as the 18th century. This is one of the theories.
It is thought that a friary belonging to the Dominican Order formerly stood at Haverfordwest for a period of three centuries. The Dominicans, also known as Black Friars, had a mission that was distinct from that of the vast majority of monastic organizations in that they went out into the community to pray, teach, and preach.
Work at the location known as Ocky White was begun by DAT Archaeological Services in February, and the company is slated to continue working there until January of the following year.
The property is being redevelopment in order to accommodate a food emporium, bar, and rooftop patio when it is finished.