A disturbing discovery has been made at Royton Cemetery in Oldham, where a mass grave containing the remains of over 300 individuals, primarily infants and young children, has been unearthed. The discovery, which has shocked the local community, was made by a woman searching for her brothers, who died in 1962.
Local councillors Maggie Hurley and Jade Hughes revealed that of the 303 bodies discovered, 146 were stillborn babies, and 128 were infants and young children. The discovery has raised awareness about a tragic historical practice that persisted until the mid-1980s when stillborn babies were often taken from families without consultation. Many parents were left unaware of their child’s final resting place.
Councillor Hurley commented, “It’s a stark injustice that parents were denied the fundamental right to bury their babies, a right that should be inherent and unquestionable.” She added that the woman who made the discovery was left “in tears” and felt “a profound sense of loss and injustice.
This is not the first such discovery in the borough. Similar-sized graves have been found at Royton Cemetery, sparking concerns over incomplete records. Of the 303 bodies found, only 147 have been identified by name, and efforts are currently underway to cross-reference cemetery records.
This discovery has reignited discussions around the historical treatment of stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Until the mid-1980s, many parents of stillborn babies or those who died shortly after birth were not consulted regarding funeral arrangements. Some parents were even encouraged to forget about their loss, creating a societal belief that it was best to move on as if nothing had happened.
The case has led to renewed calls for recognition and justice for the families affected by these practices. Efforts are now focused on updating records and ensuring that such incidents are never forgotten.
