THE CAR PARK MYSTERY: Deep-ground scans hunt for bodies of five executed criminals buried under Council HQ

A specialist deep-ground radar scan was carried out at the County Hall car park in Carmarthen on Sunday, as researchers attempt to solve a century-old mystery. The site was once the gardens of the former Carmarthen prison, where public executions took place throughout the 1800s.

Convicted Killers and a Forger

The hunt is on for the remains of five men executed between 1818 and 1894. Among those believed to still lie beneath the tarmac are four convicted murderers and one man hanged for forgery.

Using a high-tech digital radar scanner, Shane Gwilt from Leica Geosystems scoured the car park surface to detect any anomalies in the ground that could indicate burial sites.

‘A Mystery Worthy of Sherlock Holmes’

The project has been driven by former Mayor of Carmarthen, Richard Goodridge, who has spent two years researching the site’s dark history. He believes it is “unbelievable” that the bodies were not moved when the prison was demolished in the 1930s.

Richard Goodridge said:

“I strongly believe that the remains of these five convicted felons still remain where they were buried after their execution. It is the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle that will lay to rest a mystery that has fascinated Carmarthen residents for over a hundred years. Finding them will bring an end to a mystery worthy of a Sherlock Holmes novel!”

Results Sent to Italy

While the scan has been completed, the findings have now been sent to Italy for expert analysis. The results are expected to be returned within a week, potentially confirming the location of the lost graves.

Cllr Alun Lenny, Cabinet Member for Resources, added:

“The work didn’t disturb the car park surface in any way and was at no cost to the council. But it may add another chapter to the colourful history of Carmarthen as Wales’ oldest town—we await the results with anticipation!”

No Plans to Disturb the Dead

Despite the search, Carmarthenshire County Council has confirmed it has no intention of disturbing or exhuming the remains if they are found. For now, the five men will remain part of the hidden history beneath the feet of council workers and visitors.

Public gallery at Carmarthenshire Council Chamber closed on fire safety grounds

In a statement, the authority said the decision was taken “on health and safety grounds” and that members of the public would not be able to sit in the gallery to observe council meetings until further notice.

According to the council, residents can continue to follow proceedings online via the council’s website. For those without internet access, a room will be made available within County Hall to view meetings live.

The council added that where meetings are not webcast, arrangements will be put in place for members of the public to join remotely via an online link.

A spokesperson for Carmarthenshire County Council said:

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of the public gallery. We are committed to ensuring public access to meetings continues, whether online, remotely, or in person.”

The authority also confirmed that anyone wishing to speak or ask a public question will still be able to attend the chamber in person as normal.

For further information regarding access, the council has advised members of the public to email or call 01267 224028.

The closure follows what the council described as a “recent fire safety visit” to County Hall. No timescale has yet been given for when the gallery may reopen.

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