A LOCAL museum has generously offered to house artefacts found in one of Haverfordwest’s most comprehensive archaeological digs in its history.

Over 300 burials were found under the site of the old Ocky Whites building on Bridge Street – which is currently being redeveloped into a modern food hall and market.

Local historian Dr Simon Hancock said Haverfordwest Town Museum would be more than willing to house and display some of the artefacts discovered.

The museum curator told the Western Telegraph: “We would be very keen to provide a permanent home for some of the artefacts - the floor tiles, pieces of effigy, column and of course what appears to be a jet chess piece which they have found.”

Western Telegraph: The archaeological dig in Haverfordwest has been defining in piecing together the town's mysterious historyThe archaeological dig in Haverfordwest has been defining in piecing together the town's mysterious history (Image: Dyfed Arch Trust)

Dyfed Archaeological Trust has finally completed its excavations at the site in the town, owned by Pembrokeshire County Council

When the dig team got to there, nearly as soon as a shovel hit the dirt treasures of Haverfordwest’s past were found, including skeletons – and lots of them!

Site manager for the dig, Andrew Shobbrook, confirmed that 307 skeletons have been found, with roughly 50 per cent of them being children.

The trust has been in search of the Priory of St Saviours, dating back to 1246, which was located in the area, but no-one knew exactly where.

Western Telegraph: Most recently the team found a stunning jet chess piece, believed to be medieval in date Most recently the team found a stunning jet chess piece, believed to be medieval in date (Image: Dyfed Arch Trust)

Mr Shobrook said the development of the Ocky Whites centre provided a great opportunity to find out some of Haverfordwest’s past – much of which remains a mystery.

And this dig is shedding light on that mystery, including on warfare in the area - a mysterious puncture wound was found in one of the skulls excavated. Archaeologists are not sure, but they believe it could have been caused by a projectile fired at the person, with its ears seeming to have been mutilated – the first suggestion of medieval warfare in the town.

Western Telegraph: Simon Hancock (left) accepting a German bomb to the museum Simon Hancock (left) accepting a German bomb to the museum (Image: Western Telegraph)

Dr Hancock reiterated the town museum’s generous offer saying any display about the friary would complement our existing display about the Augustinian priory which Cadw excavated between 1983 and 1996.

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