Archaeologists have unearthed the skeletons of four people underneath the site of Shrewsbury’s new £28 million theatre complex, it was revealed today.

The human remains discovered at the site in Frankwell next to the River Severn are believed to date back hundreds of years. Experts are now examining the bones.

They will try to confirm the exact age of the skeletons found at the former foundry land.

The area where the discovery was made was being excavated by archaeologists at the time of the find about two weeks ago.

A matrix of brick walls dating back 150 to 200 years was originally excavated and the skeletons were found underneath.

Spokesman for Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council Jon King today said the discovery had not delayed work on the theatre.

He said: “We are advised that it is not unusual to find human remains outside consecrated ground in a town of this age.

“All works have been carried out in accordance with the recommendations and guidelines specified by the County Archaeologist and the Museum of London Archaeology Service (MoLAS).

“A Home Office licence is in place which has ensured the human remains found on site have been exposed, documented and removed in the appropriate manner.

“SABC will be releasing further information of the excavation once details have been collated.”

It is not the first time human remains have been found on a building site in Shrewsbury. In 2003, human remains were unearthed under a site in St Mary’s Water Lane which turned out to be the site of a medieval cemetery.

At least nine bodies were identified in the area and were thought to date back to the 13th century.

And the latest discovery is not the first historic find on the site of the new theatre.

Work was originally slightly delayed after the discovery of the remains of the medieval St George’s Bridge, which is now being incorporated into the design of Theatre Severn – due to open next year.

The venue will include a 650-seat main auditorium and a 250-seat studio theatre. It will also house a dance studio and rehearsal space, a restaurant and bar.

By Sarah Bullock