Human remains from the Victorian era have been reburied, after having been discovered in Shaw Heath during works to gas pipes in the area.

Engineers from Cadent made the unexpected discovery of bones in May 2025 while carrying out work to divert an underground gas main.

The team quickly halted works and alerted the police. Subsequently, archaeological specialists were brought in, revealing 14 bodies which were buried between 1825 and 1856.

There were seven adults, one teenager, and six children under three years old. 

The archaeologists spent months carrying out forensic analysis and reconstructing the story of the burial.

It was discovered that they were buried in the grounds of what was once the Roman Catholic Chapel of St Philip and St James.

The chapel was demolished in 1911, and a school now sits on the site.

The bones of the 14 unknown Stockport residents have now been reburied (Image - Cadent)

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On Friday 27 February, the bodies were reburied at Park Road Cemetery, Stockport, in a service led by Father Martin Onuoha. 

Principal Archaeologist Megan Stoakley, who led the investigation, said: "This was an unusual case for our team.

"We didn't begin with intact graves; instead, we encountered disarticulated remains in ground disturbed long after the original burials. Piece by piece, we've rebuilt the site's story and ensured a dignified reburial. 

"In the early‑to‑mid 19th century, Stockport was heavily industrialised. Many families lived in cramped, overcrowded housing with poor sanitation and polluted air and water. Sadly, these conditions drove high mortality, particularly among children.  

"While we will never know who these people are – the only records we were able to find are in poor condition through age, and now too faded to read – we have made sure they are treated with dignity." 

Lucy Sterry, Head of Work Management, at Cadent, attended the service and said: "From the moment our team uncovered the remains, we made sure everything was dealt with appropriately.

"We halted work immediately, brought in police and archaeologists, and ensured every step was handled with due care and respect.

"I'm proud of how our teams responded and that we have ensured these people are now laid to rest, in peace, in Park Road Cemetery." 

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