The remains of more than 240 people, including children, have been unearthed by archaeologists working in the ruins of a medieval monastery located under an old store.
The “extremely significant” discovery was made under the old Ocky White building in the town of Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Archaeologists believe the remains are from the Convent of São Salvador, a monastery founded by Dominican monks around 1256.
One researcher said the find offers “a window into the medieval Haverfordwest.”
Ocky White was a popular store for over a century before it closed in 2013.
Andrew Shobbrook, the superintendent of work at the site, described the monastery as a complex of dormitory buildings, offices – rooms devoted to writing and manuscripts – stables and a hospital.
“It’s a very prestigious place to be buried. You have a variety of people, from the wealthiest locals to the general city dwellers,” he said.
It is thought that the cemetery may have been used until the early 18th century.
Image: BBC
About half of the remains found belong to children, which may indicate a high infant mortality rate at that time.
All bones will be analyzed for burial in holy ground near where they were found.
Some of the remains have head injuries consistent with a battle. According to Shobbrook, these marks could have been caused by arrows or rifle bullets.
One theory is that the victims may have survived an attack led by Owain Glyndwr, the last native Welshman to hold the title of Prince of Wales.
Image: BBC
The war involved Welsh and French forces coming together to fight against the English invasion of Wales.
“We know that the city was besieged by Owain Glyndwr in 1405 and that these people may have been victims of this conflict,” Shobbrook said.
Image: BBC
Other finds, including remains and tiles, will be stored in an abandoned store near the archaeological site.
“I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d be involved in something this big,” said archaeologist Gaby Lester.
“This find reveals a large part of the history of Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire.”
The excavation site is being reshaped to become a food store and bar.
Image: LDRS via BBC
– This text was published at https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/geral-63213180.
source: Noticias
