More human bones found near castle (From Western Telegraph)

More human bones found near castle

Human bones believed to date back to medieval times have been found close to Narberth Castle. This is the second time in less than two years that bones have been discovered in the area, thought to be a medieval burial ground.

The recent discovery, made by the Cambria Archaeological Society, revealed a single grave containing the remains of an adult. Close by was a double grave containing an adult and child, and there was also evidence of another grave.

In December 2001, remains of nine human skeletons, including one of a baby, were found close to the castle's main entrance during another investigation by the archaeological society.

The two-year project to make the 12th century structure safe and open its grounds to the public is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw, the Welsh Development Agency and Pembrokeshire County Council.

Explained a council spokesman: "As part of the package of works, it was hoped that the access lane to the castle would have its gradient improved, but before a detailed design was prepared and tendered, Cambria Archaelogical Society obtained a Home Office licence to dig some trial pits. "It was then the evidence of burial sites was discovered."

The bones found - all of which were within 100 millimetres of the finished surface of the existing ground level - were exhumed and will be re-buried in consecrated ground. Fragments of bone will be sent to Florida for carbon-dating, and it is expected that this will confirm that the remains are medieval, if not earlier.

But the discovery means that one part of the castle project work will not be able to be completed. Added the spokesman: "As the archaelogical evidence is so substantial, the access gradient up to the castle cannot now be substantially altered."