Remains of 38 bodies found at old Cardigan hospital site 'significant'

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 paupers' 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