Haverfordwest’s strong link with the Black Friars of the Dominican Order came to the fore at a talk to the Society by Fran Murphy of the Dyfed Archaeological Trust when she spoke of the discovery of 300 human skeletons.

The rather gruesome discovery came to light during the renovation of a well-known county town store in Bridge Street. (The former Ocky White shop). 

The Friars arrived in Haverfordwest in the early 1200’s and built a small very modest church which was to be replaced by a more significant version as funds became forthcoming largely from wealthy local families.

Members were told that of the nearly 300 skeletons 10% were male with major head wounds caused it was decided by a severe blow from a handheld sharp instrument. At one time it was felt that thee may have been warriors killed during Owain Glyndwr’s attack on the nearby castle. Forensic examination, however, concludes the wounds were more likely urban violence. Several of the remains were headless indicating a decapitation; there were children between two and five all showing signs of rickets and movingly a skeleton of a female with a child in her folded arms.

Two walkways in the area carry interesting names all these centuries later: the rather obvious Friars Lane and the Hole in the Wall…………………this is said to be where from a hole in the Friary wall bread and water was handed to the poor. Then there is the pub called The Friars Vaults. Isotopic examination indicated that the skeletons were all of people who lived within 30 miles of Haverfordwest.

What happened to the Black Friars land……..It is recorded that Roger Barlow for £705 plus six shillings and three pence bought the Slebech Estate; Priory of Haverfordwest  and land of the Black Friars. In the area of the Friary was to be developed the Marychurch Iron Foundry.