The bones of men, women and infants were discovered on land at the old Cardigan Memorial Hospital site in Ceredigion, Wales, as the site is being developed into 20 flats, a community space and an office
Dozens of bodies have been unearthed by archaeologists at a former hospital site.
The remains of men, women, and babies were uncovered on the grounds of the old Cardigan Memorial Hospital in Ceredigion.
The hospital shut its doors in 2019 and the location is now being redeveloped by Wales and West Housing Association (WWHA).
An archaeological report commissioned for WHHA has revealed that a total of 38 “skeletons or partial skeletons” were dug up from the former hospital site.
The remains were described as being in “poor condition” and are thought to date back to the 12th century, reports Wales Online.
Five burial sites were discovered to contain remnants of coffins.
The report explains the hospital grounds were previously home to a Priory Church and it’s believed the remains could stretch back to when this was founded.
The burials were all positioned east to west which, according to the report, was characteristic of post-Roman Christian burials. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter
The burial sites could represent “a pauper’s cemetery on the north side of the church,” the archaeologists suggested.
Alternatively, the graves might be “overspill” from the primary cemetery.
The remains were labelled in the report as “the most significant archaeological features” discovered during the dig. Additional examination will be carried out on the skeletons during the post-excavation stage.
Cardigan Hospital shut in 2019 and was purchased by WWHA which intends to transform the site into 20 flats, a community space, and an office.
During a town council meeting in May, WWHA indicated the works were anticipated to commence in June.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.