Hundreds of Skeletons from Medieval Times Found Under a Department Store in Wales

Hundreds of skeletons dating back from the Medieval Times were found by archaeologists under a department store in Wales, United Kingdom, earlier in October.

The establishment, which has been closed since 2013 after serving for over a century, is part of an ongoing renovation project when the unprecedented discovery was made.

The medieval skeletal remains indicate that it was a former cemetery for victims of war.

Medieval Skeletons Found

(Photo : RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

Under the old Welsh department, archaeologists have unearthed around 300 human skeletons dating back to the Medieval Ages (from late 5^th century to late 15^th century). The so-called medieval skeletons consist of children, who were believed to be members of the community. Initial reports indicate only more than 240 skeletal remains were found at the site.

The Dyfed Archaeological Trust confirmed to have exhumed 307 graves, which are believed to be several centuries old, during an excavation work at the old Ocky White department store building in the heart of Haverfordwest, according to Wales Online. In March 2022, the archaeological company first discovered signs relics and human remains dating 700 years old during initial groundworks at the site.

The discovery occurred while the archaeological team was digging potential medieval artifacts beneath the old establishment as part of an excavation project in an urban area. The site of the unprecedented findings about the medieval human skeletons were found from ruins under the commercial building, which is reportedly likely from the friary of St. Saviour's.

The Ocky White in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, has been undergoing a redevelopment project when "significant archaeological findings were discovered" during a demolition activity, according to the Pembrokeshire County Council, as cited by the Smithsonian Magazine. The council was responsible for launching the project, which was delayed due to the archaeological dig.

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Former Medieval Cemetery

On October 11, details of the bizarre excavation revealed that the archaeological team was able to find the medieval skeletal remains, half of which from children, under the former department store, according to the Evening Standard. Experts have asserted the discovery is indeed significant since they perceived the site belonged to a priory named St. Saviour's from 1256.

The medieval priory was once thought to have comprised a set of complex building, including dormitories, a hospital, and stable, along with a graveyard which was possibly used until the early 1700s.

Victims of War

Dyfed Archaeological Trust Site Supervisor, Andrew Shobbrook, told the BBC that the underground burial site was a prestigious place to rest, with people ranging from the wealthy to the general townsfolk, as cited by the UK media outlet.

Shobbrook claimed the uncovered medieval remains show evidence the bodies sustained injuries that could be present during battle. He theorized that some of the deceased people could be victims of a siege in Haverfodwest in 1405 involving French and Welsh rebels.

Archeologist Gaby Lester also told the BBC the shite is showing itself to be a crucial part of the history of Haverforwdwest and Pembrokeshire.

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