“One of the most striking elements of the excavation is the discovery of more than 4,500 graves,” she admitted.

“These primarily date from the workhouse period, from 1837 to the late 19th century. Some burials may even date back to the site’s earlier function as a prisoner-of-war camp,” Price revealed.

She noted that they were uncovered with ‘full respect’ for the ‘site’s history’, explaining: “These findings provide an intimate window into the lives of ordinary 19th-century Bristolians who found themselves at the workhouse due to poverty and hardship.”

Highlighting that the burials ‘reflects a dark chapter in Bristol’s social history’, Price said that the remains of these individuals and their belongings found during excavation will help them put their life stories together and better understand the time period.

She added: “Scientific analysis is ongoing, with researchers examining the remains to understand more about these individuals’ lives, health, and causes of death.”

A memorial ceremony is being planned along with the final reburials, to honour those who died.

The Diocesan Secretary from the Diocese of Bristol, Richard Leaman, highlighted: “The removal and reinterment of human remains have been carried out in a reverential and lawful manner, with a marker to bear witness to the new gravesite.”

However, the dig and its accompanying research is not yet complete, as several teams and academic experts are involved in the process, Price said.

“The findings from the excavation will be fully published in 2026, alongside a programme of public engagement to further share the results,” she concluded.