Episodes of "paranormal activity" and "odd happenings" have been witnessed close to the site where 300 skeletons were unearthed in Godalming.
While archaeologists continue to analyse the 300 human remains and 65 other burials found at the Station Road site, an "intriguing mystery" still surrounds the findings, according to the Rev Canon Mervyn Roberts, Rector of Godalming.
Despite not knowing the full history about the former car park site where the 365 burials were found, Rev Roberts said he has heard theories and tales involving "paranormal activity".
“I give guided ghost walks around the town and mention some of the well known spooky stories connected with buildings in the centre of the town,” he said.
“What I find odd is the number of people who have told me things relating to paranormal activity in Church Street, Mint Street and Station Road.
“All these roads surround the area where the skeletons have been found.
“It is also strange that I have received comments in the past from people living in the property that was demolished on the site of the burials, concerned about the odd happenings that seemed to occur in the house.”
A house called Priory Orchard previously stood in the grounds of the site, which has now been demolished as work to create 14 new affordable homes got under way in March 2013.
The last family to live in Priory Orchard claimed the house was haunted. Chelsea Whiteman said her family lived there for six months while their current house was extended.
During that time she said they had strange experiences, which she believes were supernatural. She also suffered recurring dreams of a person being buried at the house.
Rev Roberts said: “One old theory about the area is that it may have once been the site of a priory and one theory for the name of Godalming is connected to the name of the first prioress.
“Whatever the origin of this site it is clear it is within the very ancient area of the town that made up the Saxon settlement.
“It is strange that I am not aware of any maps that show our church yard extending as far as the Station Road site but if you imagine all the inhabitants of a growing town being buried around the church it is quite possible the churchyard was once quite large on the south side of the church.
“Whatever the history of the site I would like to think that all those town citizens laid to rest here would not object to having their remains moved in order to help future generations of Godhelmians live peacefully and happily in the centre of our town.”
The grim discoveries were unearthed in March 2013 when routine archaeological surveys were carried out for the current development ground for the affordable homes.
The skeletons previously indicated to experts that the site was used as an early Christian burial ground between the ninth and 13th centuries, before it became disconnected from the Church of St Peter and St Paul, which is located nearby.
Originally it was understood that only 20 human skeletons were found, but a spokesperson for the Surrey County Archaeological Unit (SCAU), confirmed to the Surrey Advertiser last week that the number of burials is "nearly 400".
Archaeologists from SCAU are asking for more time to conduct the "specialist analysis" required and a report is expected to be complete by the middle of this year.
Before the building plans were lodged for the affordable homes, a desk based archaeological assessment of the site was carried out and a report was printed in 2010.
The report stated that in 2007, skeletal remains were identified during the excavation of a soakaway in the south east corner of the grounds of site which was previously know as Priory Orchard.
It was noted that the "teeth were heavily worn", and this "suggested a pre-modern date for the burial".
The report concluded that the "archaeological potential of this site is considered to be good".
It stated: “The discovery of two burials at the Priory Orchard site is of great significance and it is likely that further burials will be identified across this plot and the adjacent car park.
“The Historic Environment Record and evidence from excavations undertaken in the vicinity suggest the possibility of nearby prehistoric and Roman settlement.
“It has further been shown that the mid to late Saxon evidence from Godalming is tightly centred around the church.”
A volunteer from the Surrey Archaeological Society said it did not have any extra information about the site, but said it is a "very interesting discovery which will give important information about local people in a key period of this part of Surrey".
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