Mass grave containing bodies of 300 children and babies uncovered in Royton Cemetery

Amy Welch reports from the cemetery where the discovery was made in Oldham

A mass grave containing the bodies of almost 300 children and babies has been uncovered in a town's cemetery.

The unmarked burial site in Royton Cemetery, Oldham, contains 145 stillborn babies, 128 babies and young children and 29 adults, according to local councillors.

Royton Independent councillors Ms Hurley and Ms Hughes said they were "profoundly affected" by the "heartbreaking revelation".

The discovery was made by a woman from the local area who was searching for the last resting place of her twin brothers, who died in 1962.

Want more on the issues affecting the North? Our podcast, From the North answers the questions that matter to our region.

Before the 1980s, stillborns were taken away from families and not given any details of where they were buried.

Medical staff would tell bereaved parents their children would be buried alongside "a nice person", but instead the babies were laid to rest in mass graves.

In a statement, the councillors said: "It's a stark injustice that parents were denied the fundamental right to bury their babies, a right that should be inherent and unquestionable.

"This situation should stir our collective sense of fairness and empathy."

It is also believed the burying place may not be the only one in Royton Cemetery.

The councillors say there was one in the Catholic area, one in the non-conformist area, and one in the C of E section.

The Royton Independents are urging Oldham Borough Council to "recognise the loss and suffering in the past and present".

A motion, due to be discussed at a council meeting, has called for the council to erect a memorial at the site where the children, babies and adults are buried.

It also suggests records and documents about the burials should be made more accessible and digitalised.

"We cannot change what has happened," the councillors added. "But we can ensure that the babies born sleeping are named, recognised, and never forgotten."

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said they will be "consider the suggestion being made" with a "matter of urgency", adding the grave is not "newly discovered".

“Our staff are here to support any families who think they may be affected," he said.

“Sadly, the burying of people, including babies and children, in unmarked graves happened in graveyards all around the country years ago.

“Thankfully, things have changed and improved over the years. The Government now pay for the funerals of stillborn babies and anyone up to the age of 18 if necessary. Public graves are no longer used.

“Today, when a request is made for burial in a public grave, the arrangements are usually made by the relevant hospital via a funeral director.

"Often the hospital chaplaincy organises the burial or cremation of the individual.

“The council cemeteries staff also works with the funeral director and carry out the expressed wishes.

"The hospital and ourselves keep records of the burial, which can be located by families whenever they want.

“Alternatively, the family can make their own arrangements for burial in an individual grave plot via a funeral director and would install their own memorial.”

Baby loss charity, Sands, said it could offer advice and support to anyone trying to find out where their baby was.

Jen Coates, Sands' Director of Bereavement Support, said: "The discovery of the mass grave in Oldham is absolutely heartbreaking and especially so for anyone who thinks that their baby may be buried there.

"Sands is here to offer emotional support to anyone in Oldham and across the UK who has been affected by this upsetting news. We are thinking of all bereaved parents and families and their babies at this very sad time.

"We know that parents never forget their babies. We are often contacted by bereaved parents whose baby died many years ago and who now want to find out what happened to their baby’s body.

"Although Sands cannot trace babies' graves we can offer advice and support to anyone who is trying to find out where their baby or the baby of a family member may be buried. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with Sands."