Uncovered Grave of 15 Orphaned Children

0:00On April 2, 8, volunteers in Bradford just uncovered a forgotten grave holding 15 orphans after more than 100 years. These kids, aged 3 to 18, lived at Dr. Bernardo's home for little incurables in Manningham. They passed away between 1898 and 1911 from illnesses like rickets and tuberculosis, back when those were common killers. The charity's founder bought the plot at Undercliff Cemetery, but it sank into the ground and vanished. Now more than a century on, Cemetery charity volunteers dug through records of 125,000 varials over 5 years that led them straight to the mass grave where they excavated and revealed a headstone marked for Dr. Bernardo unseen for about 100 years. The home specialized in care for terminally ill children, mostly orphans or from poor families, housing up to 25 before moving to Harrogate. In 1911, folks involved are thrilled, calling it a revelation that ties into Bradford's

1:00history and Barnardo's legacy. The discovery honors the charity's early work supporting vulnerable kids. Local reactions highlight how piecing together these stories adds depth to national achievements in child welfare. Restoration is underway, with volunteers like Gravedigger Graham Swain adding over 120 tons of soil to stabilize the sunken area. For building a new surround, individual plaques for each child and flower holders, teaming up with Barnardo's researchers, their compiling life stories and home history. By May 2026, the site should be fully restored and open to visitors, ensuring these young lives get the remembrance they deserve after all this time.