Second unmarked mass grave contains stillborn children
A second unmarked mass grave containing stillborn babies has been discovered at Royton cemetery, following an earlier discovery this year. The graves are linked to a historical practice where stillborn children were buried without parental knowledge. A vigil led to the identification of the second grave, though the exact number of bodies is unknown. Oldham Council acknowledged the existence of such communal graves but declined further comment. Memorials are planned for both sites.
Second Mass Grave of Stillborn Babies Discovered at Royton Cemetery
A second unmarked mass grave containing stillborn babies has been identified at Royton cemetery, following the discovery earlier this year of another communal plot with 145 babies, 128 children, and 29 adults buried without their parents’ knowledge.
The second grave, located at the northern wall behind the cemetery chapel, was discovered during a candlelit vigil on December 15 when a relative approached Councillor Maggie Hurley to inform her they had traced a family member to the plot. The group broke away from the memorial service to place candles and a wreath on the newly identified site.
“We’ve found another one. This is social injustice on a scale I never could have imagined,” Hurley told the LDRS after organizing and funding the vigil to give relatives a moment to reunite with their loved ones. The babies were victims of a practice that saw stillborn children removed from their parents without the chance to say goodbye and buried in communal plots.
Oldham Council confirmed the existence of the second communal plot but declined to comment on how many bodies it contains. A spokesperson acknowledged the council was aware of such sites, historically known as ‘pauper’s graves’ and more recently as ‘local authority burials.’ Both graves at Royton Cemetery will receive memorial benches and plaques to commemorate those buried there.
Source: Read original article