Skeletons found under floor boards in Norton (From Gazette & Herald)

Skeletons found under floor boards in Norton

TWO skeletons have been found under the floor boards in Norton Post office.

Postmaster James Hands made the startling discovery when he was working in the flood damaged shop.

He said: "I was merrily digging when about six inches down I found this bit of bone. As I investigated it became longer and longer until I realised it was a leg."

The first skeleton was lying with its head just about where the doorway to the post office was with its feet extending into the shop.

"A lot of people throw these in the skip but we wanted to do it properly. We called the police," he added. DC Garry Ridler from Malton police came down to see the remains. Mark Stephens from the Malton based archeological group MAP also came and examined the bones.

Mr Stephens said the post office was built on the site of the old St Peter's Church grave yard. The Church was demolished at the beginning of the last century and the swimming baths built on the site.

Mr Stephens believes the bones come from the old churchyard. He said: "I can tell the bones are not modern. The soil is mixed as it would be in a grave yard and the bodies lie east to west as they would do in a Christian burial."

He confirmed there was one complete skeleton and at least part of another. Mr Stephens was not able to say if the skeletons were male or female, but believed they were adult.

Coroner Michael Oakley told the Gazette & Herald: "There will not be an inquest. I have spoken to Mr Stephens and I am satisfied the remains are medieval."

Updated: 16:31 Thursday, February 15, 2001