Human bones found near castle ruins (From Western Telegraph)

Human bones found near castle ruins

Nine human skeletons - including one of a baby - have been found in the shadow of Narberth Castle.

The bones are believed to be at least 300 years old and could be from an early burial ground.

Carbon-dating on either one of the bones or a fragment of pottery found in the area will now be carried out so that historical experts can gain a clearer picture.

The discovery was made during an investigation by Cambria Archaeology close to the main entrance of the castle, which dates back to the 12th century

A two-year project to make the structure safe and open its grounds to the public will start in the new year.

Human remains were found in an earth bank at the rear of properties in Castle Terrace several years ago, and because of this, it was decided to make further investigations close to this area. A skeleton of a baby, thought to be a still-birth, was discovered in a bank, before evidence of a further eight burials was found in a 20 square metre area close by.

While the majority of the bones will be allowed to remain where they have been lying, others which are protruding from the ground will be removed following an exhumation licence from the Home Office. Said the clerk of works to the site, Richard Tree: The investigation has been carefully and sensitively carried out, bearing in mind that the Home Office licence requires us to show proper respect to those who are buried. Any bones which are removed will be re-interred in consecrated ground. The £209,000 project at Narberth Castle is being funded by a Heritage Lottery grant which was gained by SPARC/PLANED, together with money made available by Pembrokeshire County Council, Cadw and the Welsh Development Agency.

The scheme is being administered by Pembrokeshire County Council and will result in the castle grounds being landscaped and the ancient structure of the building being made safe so the area can become an extra visitor attraction.

Narberth Castle, where human remains were found close to the main entrance.