A Race Against Time and Tides
In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, researchers have discovered approximately 200 medieval skeletons at Whitesands Bay, close to St David’s in Wales. This significant find sheds light on an early Christian community that dates back to the sixth century.
A Sacred Resting Place Beneath the Sand
Just beneath the sands of this now-frequented beach, archaeologists have located a burial site containing the remains of men, women, and children. The condition of these bones is described as “absolutely incredible” due to their complete entombment in sand.
Clues to Ancient Christian Practices
The arrangement of the burials offers valuable insights into early Christian customs:
- All individuals were interred with their heads oriented toward the west.
- No possessions were discovered alongside the bodies.
- Some were laid to rest in stone-lined cists.
- Infant burials had a distinctive feature: white quartz stones placed atop the cists.
Erosion: Both Friend and Foe
While natural erosion and storms have aided in uncovering these burials since the 1920s, they now threaten the site’s preservation. Severe weather events in 2013 and 2014 necessitated rescue excavations, resulting in the identification of 90 burial sites.
The Race to Uncover History
Dyfed Archaeological Trust and the University of Sheffield are working tirelessly to excavate as much of the cemetery as possible before it is lost to the sea. The ongoing dig, scheduled to conclude on July 16, aims to investigate an intriguing stone structure that predates the burials.
A Snapshot of Medieval Life
This extraordinary discovery provides archaeologists with a rare opportunity to examine a well-preserved medieval population in Wales, where such bone preservation is uncommon. As Jenna Smith from Dyfed Archaeological Trust aptly states, “It gives that snapshot in time which we don’t normally get in Wales.”
As the excavation progresses, researchers are hopeful of revealing more secrets hidden within the dunes, offering invaluable insights into the lives and beliefs of this ancient coastal community.
