More than 300 bodies found in Oldham mass grave - most belonging to babies and children

The remains of more than 300 individuals, mostly babies and children, have been discovered in a mass grave in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Archaeologists believe the grave dates back to the Victorian era and may be linked to a nearby workhouse or orphanage.

The discovery was made during construction work on a new housing development. Archaeologists were called in to investigate after human remains were found in the ground.

The remains of 303 individuals have now been recovered from the site. The vast majority of the remains belong to babies and children, with only a small number of adults.

Archaeologists believe the grave may be linked to the nearby Oldham Union Workhouse and Orphanage. The workhouse was opened in 1851 and was used to house the poor and homeless.

The orphanage was opened in 1864 and was used to house orphaned children. Both the workhouse and the orphanage were closed in the early 20th century.

The discovery of the mass grave has shocked the local community. Oldham Council has said that it is working with archaeologists to investigate the site and to try to identify the remains.

The council has also said that it will be working with the local community to develop a memorial to the individuals who were buried in the mass grave.

The discovery of the mass grave is a reminder of the harsh conditions that many people faced in Victorian Britain.

The workhouse and orphanage were places where the poor and vulnerable were often treated with cruelty and neglect.

The discovery of the mass grave is a reminder of the importance of remembering the past and of learning from the mistakes that were made.

Here are some additional details about the discovery:

• The mass grave was discovered during construction work on a new housing development.
• Archaeologists were called in to investigate after human remains were found in the ground.
• The remains of 303 individuals have now been recovered from the site.
• The vast majority of the remains belong to babies and children, with only a small number of adults.
• Archaeologists believe the grave may be linked to the nearby Oldham Union Workhouse and Orphanage.
• The workhouse was opened in 1851 and was used to house the poor and homeless.
• The orphanage was opened in 1864 and was used to house orphaned children.
• Both the workhouse and the orphanage were closed in the early 20th century.
• The discovery of the mass grave has shocked the local community.
• Oldham Council has said that it is working with archaeologists to investigate the site and to try to identify the remains.
• The council has also said that it will be working with the local community to develop a memorial to the individuals who were buried in the mass grave.