Pill Priory Milford Haven - Sewage pipe excavations

The circumstances did not allow for detailed analysis of the little human bone that was lifted, which was in any case fragmentary and generally unstratified.

A broadly medieval date is suggested for the associated cemetery, in which 31 burials (see pictures below) were densely distributed in the small area observed, space apparently being at a premium. The modest size of the community suggests that some of these represent lay burials, and so there may have been additional endowments so the one recorded bequest. There is no standing evidence for the extent of the precinct but a hard physical boundary may never have been present.

The burials observed in 1996-7 occupied a large area, the high incidence of superimposition may indicate that space was at a premium and the aberrant orientation of some of the burials - most noticeable towards the periphery suggests that they may follow the line of the former northern precinct boundary.

There were few finds within the grave fills. An incomplete iron buckle (see picture on the left), probably representing a shroud, had oxidised on to the right femur of burial 3.

There were small traces of verdigris in the fill of burial 2 which may represent coffin nails, but no further evidence for a coffin was present. No further fittings were found within the fills of any other burials.

Other finds were of a fragmentary nature and mainly unstratified, but a few small ceramic sherds occupied the fill of burial 5. Traces of glazing suggested that they may have been derived from ridge-tile, as well as unglazed coarseware, but they were insufficiently preserved to be securely identified or dated.

The folded arms of the female burial 18, may possibly suggest a religious connection, but there was no indication of the status of any individuals.

Most grave fills contained oyster shell and the occasional limpet shell. Only one burial contained any evidence for a coffin.

The cemetery is undoubtedly associated with the medieval priory and the scant dating evidence indicated a broadly medieval date, which, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, is suggested for all the burials.

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