Second Unmarked Mass Grave Identified at Cemetery

An additional unmarked mass burial site, believed to contain the bodies of stillborn infants, has been identified at a cemetery. An initial unmarked grave at Royton Cemetery in Oldham, Greater Manchester, discovered earlier this year, was found to contain 145 stillborn babies, 128 babies and young children, and 29 adults. This practice, described as “horrific,” involved the removal of stillborn children from their parents without the opportunity for a farewell, and their subsequent burial in communal plots without the parents’ awareness. Oldham Council has verified the existence of a second communal plot, situated at the northern wall behind the cemetery chapel. The number of bodies within this plot remains unknown. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reported that the grave was uncovered on Sunday during a candlelit vigil organized to commemorate the children and provide relatives with an opportunity to connect with their loved ones. A relative approached Councillor Maggie Hurley, who had arranged and financed the event, to notify her about the second plot, having located a family member there. The attendees then separated from the main group to place candles and a wreath on the site. While the relative was too distressed to speak with the LDRS at that moment, Ms Hurley stated: “We’ve found another one. “This is social injustice on a scale I never could have imagined.” Oldham Council declined to provide a comment regarding the second site; however, a spokesperson indicated that the communal burial ground – historically referred to as ‘pauper’s graves’ and more recently as ‘local authority burials’ – was already known to the council. A memorial bench and plaque are planned for both sites at Royton Council, intended to commemorate the infants, children, and several adults interred there.