Mass Grave in Royton Cemetery

Over the last few days you will have seen reports in the media and on social media about the discovery of a mass grave in Royton Cemetery.

I have been informed the council as a matter of urgency is looking at an appropriate way to recognise those buried in Royton by providing a suitable memorial.

This is not a newly discovered grave. 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.

This news will be upsetting for a lot of people and my thoughts are with them.

The cemeteries team have already helped many families to find deceased relatives including stillborn babies.

If you are affected please contact the Cemetery Office at Hollinwood on 0161 681 1312 or via env.cemeteries@oldham.gov.uk where the records are held in written burial books.

The grave has always been available to research and is online for anyone to search for their deceased relatives, including stillborn children by using the link on our Council website below, the grave in Royton Cemetery numbered 1A-360 was first opened in 1924 and the last burial took place in 1972. 

Families searching for their relatives will need to know the surname and approximate date of death. 

Please use the link below:

https://www.oldham.gov.uk/info/200388/cemeteries_graves_and_memorials/641/cemeteries