Builders renovating a property in Cleveland Road, Lytham, Lancashire, have uncovered human remains believed to be those of children in what police are treating as an “isolated historical burial”.
Fylde police officers were called to the scene at 12.37pm on 15 August after construction workers discovered what they initially thought to be bones during routine building work. Following forensic examination, authorities confirmed the remains were human and preliminary investigations suggest “they may be that of children”.
Detective Inspector Andrew Crook of West CID described the discovery as “incredibly sad” whilst emphasising that the death is not being treated as suspicious. We are continuing our inquiries to establish the identity of the remains, including their age and how they died,” he said.
The timing and circumstances of the burial remain unknown, though police believe this represents a historical interment rather than a recent crime. “Whilst we are keeping an open mind, I want to make it clear that we are not treating this as suspicious. We believe at this stage that the burial is a historic one,” DI Crook added.
Victorian Era Child Mortality Context
The discovery highlights the stark reality of child mortality in Victorian Lancashire. During the 19th century, infant and child death rates were devastatingly high across Britain, with nearly half of all children dying before reaching adulthood in many areas.
Historical records from Lancashire parishes show that stillbirths and infant deaths were the most common causes of death recorded in burial registers during this period. In industrial towns like nearby Leeds, cemetery records reveal that nearly half of all burials were for children aged nine and under.
“The Victorian era saw mortality rates that would be unthinkable today,” said local historians familiar with the region’s demographic history. In many Lancashire communities, approximately 27 per cent of newborns died in their first year of life, whilst up to 48 per cent did not survive to puberty.
Lytham’s Historical Development
Lytham itself transformed dramatically during the Victorian period. What began as a small coastal settlement evolved into a fashionable seaside resort from the 1820s onwards, attracting wealthy visitors from Manchester and Liverpool. The area saw significant residential development throughout the 19th century, with Cleveland Road being part of the town’s expansion.
The seaside town became particularly popular after the railway connection to Blackpool opened in 1846, with a station at Lytham bringing increased visitors and residents. By 1875, the neighbouring St Anne’s-on-the-Sea was established as a planned Victorian town, further transforming the area’s character.
Historical burial practices in the region varied considerably. Whilst Lytham Park Cemetery opened in 1927, earlier burials would have taken place at various church graveyards or private grounds. The practice of home burials, whilst uncommon, was not unheard of in Victorian times, particularly in cases of stillbirths or infant deaths.
Forensic Investigation Process
Lancashire Constabulary’s approach to such discoveries follows established forensic archaeological protocols. When historical human remains are found, police work alongside forensic archaeologists and anthropologists to carefully excavate and analyse the site.
“The investigation of historical burials requires specialised expertise,” explained forensic archaeology sources. Teams must carefully document the burial context, recover all remains respectfully, and gather any associated artefacts that might help establish the time period and circumstances of death.
In cases involving potential historical remains, investigators examine burial practices, clothing remnants, coffin materials, and the stratigraphic layers of soil to determine the approximate age of the burial. Victorian burials often included specific types of coffin furniture, clothing styles, and burial goods that can help date the remains.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The discovery has understandably caused distress amongst local residents. DI Crook thanked “the homeowners and contractors for their patience whilst our inquiries were ongoing at the property”. The remains have now been carefully removed from the Cleveland Road property for further examination.
Police are appealing to the community for any information that might assist in identifying the remains. Local historians and genealogists may prove valuable in tracing property ownership records and identifying any documented child deaths in the area during the Victorian period.
“Historical records from parish registers, census data, and property deeds could provide crucial information,” authorities noted. The Lancashire OnLine Parish Clerk Project and local archive services maintain extensive burial records that investigators will likely consult.
Broader Historical Context
The grim discovery serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of childhood in Victorian Britain. Common causes of infant and child death included infectious diseases such as measles, scarlet fever, whooping cough, and diphtheria. Poor sanitation, overcrowded living conditions, and limited medical knowledge contributed to mortality rates that only began to decline towards the very end of the Victorian era.
In Lancashire’s industrial towns, the situation was particularly severe. The rapid urbanisation brought by the Industrial Revolution created unhealthy living conditions, with families crowded into poorly ventilated housing near factories and mills. Child mortality was significantly higher in urban areas compared to rural districts.
The practice of child burial varied by social class and circumstance. Whilst wealthy families could afford elaborate funerals and cemetery plots, poorer families sometimes struggled to afford proper burials. The fear of pauper burials in mass graves led to the growth of burial clubs and friendly societies amongst the working class.
Investigation Continues
Lancashire Police continue their investigation into the remains, with forensic experts working to establish more details about the children’s identities and the circumstances of their deaths. Modern forensic techniques, including DNA analysis and isotope testing, may provide insights into the children’s ages, health conditions, and even their geographical origins.
Authorities stress that whilst the discovery is tragic, it appears to represent a historical burial rather than recent criminal activity. The careful archaeological excavation and respectful treatment of the remains demonstrate the professional approach taken to such sensitive discoveries.
Members of the public with any information that could assist the investigation are asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 0616 of 15 August. Local historians, genealogists, or anyone with knowledge of the Cleveland Road area’s history during the Victorian period may have valuable information to contribute.
The investigation highlights how construction and renovation work occasionally unearths remnants of Britain’s past, serving as poignant reminders of previous generations and the dramatically different circumstances they faced. As Lytham continues to develop and modernise, such discoveries connect the present community with its Victorian heritage in unexpectedly intimate ways.
