Archaeologists have unearthed human remains that are more than 1,000 years old.
According to a press release, “24 identifiable skeletons” were discovered during excavations on the grounds of the Old Bell Hotel, next to Malmesbury Abbey in England.
The burial dates back to the 7th century, and the Anglo-Saxon bones are thought to date from around AD 670 to 940.
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The discovery was made serendipitously on Bid Athelstan Excavation Day, when Cotswold Archaeological Institute and volunteers worked together to excavate 13 sites around the town.
Cotswold archaeologists and volunteers have discovered 24 Anglo-Saxon skeletons dating to between 670 and 940 AD during excavations at a hotel near a monastery in Malmesbury, England. (Cotswold Archaeology)
A representative for the Cotswold Archaeological Society said that while it was not unusual for graves to be found close to churches, the number of burials discovered was remarkable.
“Contrary to expectations, the graves are located to the west of the former cloister, rather than in what was thought to be the medieval cemetery – south of the abbey. Even more surprising is that Saxon remains have been identified – a first in Malmesbury, where no physical evidence of early monastic life has previously been found,” a representative said in an emailed statement to Fox News Digital.
The Old Bell Hotel is a historic building dating back to 1220.
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He said it was unlikely the hotel’s builders knew about the cemetery’s existence “given the gap of around 500 years between their constructions.”
The burial dates back more than 1,000 years, with the Anglo-Saxon bones thought to date from between 670 and 940 AD. (Cotswold Archaeology)
“There is abundant archaeological evidence that medieval walls were built directly over, and sometimes through, burial sites. It is highly likely that the builders of the Old Bell discovered human remains while laying the foundations but chose to carry on regardless,” the representative said.
Hotel owners Jim and Whit Hanks said they are honored to play a part in local history.
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“It is only fitting that the earliest remains have been discovered close to the Abbey, on the site of England’s oldest hotel. Our passion for history dating back to the 1500s and our ancestral connections to Malmesbury add even more meaning to our work to preserve the town’s heritage,” Jim and Whit Hanks said in a press release.
The Big Athelstan Dig is part of the celebrations marking 1,100 years since Athelstan became England’s first king. (Cotswold Archaeology)
The Big Athelstan Dig is part of the celebrations marking 1,100 years since Athelstan became England’s first king.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Old Bell Hotel for additional comment.
