Ancient bones have been unearthed by workers creating a new community garden and orchard in what was once a churchyard.
Police were called after remains were found at the site off St Giles Lane, in the centre of Thetford.
Archaeologists said the bones dated back to hundreds of years ago, when a church which was deconsecrated in the 16th century and later demolished stood on the site.
It is not known whether they were those of a single person or a number of individuals.
Thetford-based Bush Adventures, who are planting the garden, found the bones when soil on the site was being raked over ready for planting.
READ MORE: New chapter for sixties boom town Thetford
READ MORE: Looking back over history of Thetford Forest
Rory Townsend, the community interest company's operations manager, said: "We had a digger in to level the topsoil and as we were raking it, we were finding little bits of bone."
He said at first, they believed they were animal remains but as more fragments were found, they realised they were of human origin and called police.
After taking the bones away to be examined by archaeologists, who confirmed that they were ancient, officers have now returned the remains, which will be reinterred on the site.
"We've planted two walnut trees and we're going to re-bury them and put up a plaque," said Mr Townsend.
"We're turning it into a community orchard and veg garden for youth groups to use."
A Norfolk police spokesman said: "We were called to the site at 9am on Friday, February 23.
"We attended and sought expert advice which confirmed that the bones found are several hundred years old."
Town's long-lost church
St Giles Church dated back to Saxon times but was de-consecrated during the dissolution of the 16th century.
It became a hermitage, before becoming a barn and a 19th century wheelwright's shop, according to the Norfolk Heritage Explorer.
Parts of the church were demolished over the years and its stones were re-used in other buildings, including 22 - 24 King Street.
In 1949, seven skeletons were found while a nearby cafe was being extended.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel