Remains of 38 bodies found at old hospital site a 'significant' discovery

Dozens of bodies found by archaeologists at an old hospital site have been described as a "significant" and "unexpected" discovery.

The bones of men, women and infants were uncovered on land at the old Cardigan Memorial Hospital site in Ceredigion, which is being developed by Wales and West Housing Association (WWHA).

According to an archaeological report made for WWHA, a total of 38 skeletons were excavated which are thought to date back to the 12th Century.

Historian Glen Johnson said the site was "large enough and old enough to have potential for further archaeological remains".

The skeletons were described as being "largely in poor condition and disarticulated", but five graves were found to contain the remains of coffins.

The burials were all orientated east to west which, the report said, was typical of post-Roman Christian burials.

It said the remains could be dated to the 12th Century, potentially from a pauper's cemetery to the north of a church on the site.

Also unearthed were animal bones and teeth, floor tiles, brick pieces, bits of an iron plough, glass, oyster shells, pottery and roof slate.

Johnson, a historian from the town, said: "The likelihood is that these were the graves of townspeople of various classes, pre-dating the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1500s."

"Their discovery is quite exciting and significant, and previously unexpected," Johnson added.

"Although they have classed the remainder of the site as being of low to medium archaeological sensitivity, the site is large enough and old enough to have potential for further archaeological remains."

He highlighted other items like pottery mentioned in the report, which was published in 2023 but came to light at a meeting of Cardigan Town Council earlier this month.

"As well as the burials, a quantity of medieval pottery has been found, together with pits and ditches of varying periods pre-dating the Memorial Hospital," Johnson said.

"Perhaps most unexpected of all is the discovery of several Bronze Age or late Neolithic flint tools, suggesting that this site was occupied or used in prehistoric times."

Cardigan Hospital closed in 2019 and was acquired by WWHA which has plans to redevelop the site into 20 flats, a community space and an office.

At a meeting of the town council in May, WWHA said the works were expected to get under way in June.