NINE skeletons have been discovered under Brighton Dome Corn Exchange.

Workmen completing the redevelopment of the Royal Pavilion Estate made the discovery on Tuesday and archaeologists were called in to carry out tests.

It is thought the nine graves are part of a Quaker burial ground which was on the site of the Prince Regent’s Corn Exchange.

Archaeologists are in the process of exhuming the bodies for further analysis but it is believed they are more than 200 years old. Much of the Royal Pavilion estate was built in the early 1800s.

Old maps of Brighton show the Quakers Croft burial ground on the site of the Corn Exchange.

Alan Robins, chairman of Brighton and Hove City Council’s tourism, development and culture committee, said: “We understand that up to nine graves have been uncovered during the excavations.

“The remains are now being carefully exhumed and will be examined to determine more about the deceased before being re-buried or cremated.

“The find isn’t totally unexpected as the Royal Pavilion Estate site has so many strong historic links but this is a significant find for the archaeologists and another important addition to the city’s rich cultural story.”

Darryl Palmer, of Archaeology South-East, was one of the experts brought in to examine the skeletons.

He said a Quaker meeting house and cemetery is shown near the site on a the bishop’s map of the then town in 1803.

However, it is absent on the Ordnance Survey map of 1876.

He said: “The best clue as to when worship and burial ceased is when the Quaker meeting house moved to the current location in Meeting House Lane in 1805.

“This is a significant find that shines a light on an important historical moment in the city.”

A spokesperson for Brighton Quakers said: “We are excited at the news of this discovery. We have known for a long time about the burial ground being used from 1700 to 1805 but did not know that any Quakers were left buried there. We are fascinated to hear of this link with our past and look forward to learning more.”

The work being carried out at the Corn Exchange is part of an project to restore the Royal Pavilion Estate buildings and gardens.

The work began in March and is expected to continue until late 2018. For more information visit: brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/leisure-and-libraries.