Skeletons dug up in renovation of 13th-century Welsh church

Parishioners are complaining that Victorian pews were replaced by plastic chairs and skeletons were dug up in the renovation of a 13th-century Grade I listed church in Wales.

Skeletal remains were uncovered after work began to install underfloor heating at St Cybi’s in Holyhead, Anglesey.

Locals were also infuriated about the loss of the Victorian pews and the organ allegedly having been removed.

Officials of the Church in Wales have confirmed that human remains were reburied with “due dignity”, and defended the renovations. They said pews were being taken out and a creche put in among other changes that would benefit the community.

The Church added that the renovation had been approved by worshippers and the authorities, including the 40-strong congregation, the Ministry Area Council, which is the church’s governing body, and Cadw, the Welsh government’s historic environment department.

Renovation is an ‘exciting project’

But locals criticised the works on Facebook, with one woman writing: “People of Holyhead, this is what’s happening to our beautiful church. They have removed the pews and given them away, replacing them with plastic chairs.

“The organ is in storage, been sent to another church!”

The Church in Wales said skeletal remains were found during an “exciting project” to preserve and improve five churches, including St Cybi’s.

A spokesman said: “In order to create a more flexible space for events, we are installing new oak pews which can be easily moved depending on the type of event.

“We will also be having a new underfloor heating system with a heat pump. This will help reduce our carbon footprint and will make the building a more comfortable place to worship and visit.

“During the renovations, skeletal remains were discovered and have been reinterred in St Seiriol’s Cemetery with all due dignity and the relevant Christian rites.”