Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 8, 2024 1:17 pm GMT
A mass burial ground discovered at Royton Cemetery in Oldham has revealed the final resting place of hundreds of infants and adults, many of whom had been buried without their families ever knowing. The site, which includes the remains of 145 stillborn babies, 128 babies and young children, and 29 adults, was unearthed unexpectedly when local resident Gina Jacobs was searching for her twin brothers’ graves, who died shortly after birth in 1962.
Discovery of Unmarked Graves
This heart-wrenching revelation sheds light on a tragic chapter of British history concerning how stillborn babies were treated before the 1990s. For decades, families often received little to no information regarding their stillborn children. Medical professionals advised parents that their babies would be buried alongside a “nice person,” leading many to believe consoled by a thoughtful arrangement, only to have their children interred in unmarked mass graves.
Joanne, a local resident, expressed her relief upon discovering the resting place of her uncle Joseph Morris, who was stillborn in 1960. “My family have been upset for years, not knowing where he is,” she stated, noting how this newfound information has brought closure to her family.
Another visitor to the mass grave, Gillian, spoke about her stillborn sister, who was born 48 years ago. “Even though she was born after me, and she was a stillborn baby, we have always talked about her,” Gillian said, highlighting how the revelation has made a significant difference to her family’s understanding of their loss.
Historical Context of Mass Burials
The Royton grave is not an isolated discovery. The town is part of a broader pattern of mass grave findings in the UK, including locations in Wirral, Lancashire, and Devon. These discoveries serve as a painful reminder of the societal attitudes towards stillbirth and infant loss that persisted for decades. Councillor Maggie Hurley noted the severity of the implications surrounding the mass grave, stating that the discovery has “devastated this town.”
Prior to recent decades, protocols for handling stillborn infants often involved secretive and detached burial practices that denied grieving parents the opportunity to say goodbye to their children. The Law Commission is currently working to improve the consistency and transparency of burial records, aiming to prevent such profound emotional distress from continuing in the future.
Government Response and Future Steps
A government spokesperson confirmed that the Law Commission is reviewing existing burial practices with a focus on modernizing regulations to create a more consistent and compassionate system. “Once published, we will consider their recommendations to create a framework for modern, consistent regulation across the system,” the spokesperson said, acknowledging the pressing need for reform in how these sensitive matters are handled.
During recent parliamentary debates, the emotional toll of stillbirths and the accompanying societal taboos surrounding the topic have gained more visibility, with several MPs sharing personal stories of loss and urging for more comprehensive support and acknowledgment for bereaved parents.
Community and Charitable Efforts
In the wake of the Royton discovery, local community leaders have expressed the necessity of recognizing these lost lives. Councillors Maggie Hurley and Jade Hughes are advocating for plans to erect a memorial on the site, emphasizing that it is a “stark injustice” that parents were historically denied the right to bury their babies properly.
Support organizations like the charity ‘Sands,’ which aids families affected by the death of a baby, are stepping in to offer emotional support. In a statement, Jen Coates, director of bereavement support for Sands, remarked, “The discovery of the mass grave in Oldham is absolutely heartbreaking. We are here to offer emotional support to anyone affected by this upsetting news.”
Personal Stories of Grief and Closure
The saga of uncovering these mass graves is filled with personal narratives of grief, heartache, and, in some cases, closure. Gina Jacobs, who found the grave of her son after a 53-year quest, has since assisted numerous other mothers in locating their children’s resting places. “The mums were told to go home and get on with it,” Jacobs recounted, revealing the dismissive attitude of medical staff towards bereaved parents in the past.
These stories reflect a painful legacy, but also a growing movement towards remembrance and acknowledgment. Paula Jackson, founder of the charity ‘Brief Lives – Remembered,’ has identified the resting places of nearly 3,500 stillborn babies. Her work emphasizes the importance of ensuring these children are not forgotten, pushing for families to have access to information about their lost ones.
Efforts to Modernize and Reform
Changes are afoot in how stillbirths and infant loss are treated in the UK, with efforts focusing on transparency, regulation, and emotional support. The government now funds funerals for stillborn babies and those under 18, ensuring families have options available to them that were not previously afforded.
Local groups and individuals, inspired by the recent discoveries, are urging that past transgressions are not repeated. The local council’s acknowledgment of the need for better records and memorials marks a significant step towards restoring dignity to those who lost their lives too soon.
Community Engagement and How to Seek Help
As the community rallies around this discovery, the Oldham Council is set to discuss suggestions for recognizing the buried children at a meeting scheduled for September 11. Arooj Shah, the council’s leader, stressed their commitment to providing support to families possibly affected by this grim revelation, ensuring they have access to necessary resources.
Individuals seeking information regarding stillborn babies or those buried in mass graves are encouraged to reach out to local councils and charities for guidance. Organizations like Sands and Brief Lives – Remembered are devoted to supporting bereaved parents and locating burial information, with staff ready to assist those grappling with loss.
This discovery teaches us an important lesson about being kind and paying attention to details in life-and-death situations, especially when it comes to stillbirths and losing babies.
