Unearthing mystery in Swansea – Imagine turning over your garden soil and discovering a series of unsettling secrets buried underneath. That’s exactly what happened when William Griffiths was preparing his garden in Brynhyfryd back in 1910. As he turned the soil, he uncovered tiny coffins—16 in total—nestled beneath the surface. Some contained the remains of infants, others were wrapped in fabric, and a few were just bones scattered amongst the dirt.
News of William’s shocking find spread like wildfire, drawing crowd after crowd curious to see the somber scene themselves. They perched on walls and rooftops, peering into the garden, as rumours and whispers filled the air. What had happened in this quiet corner of Swansea?
It all pointed to a previous resident—an undertaker who’d left town, leaving behind questions and heartache. Among the remains, only one, little Kenneth Holmes, was identified. Born to Harriet and James Holmes, Kenneth had passed away shortly after birth, leaving his grieving parents to entrust his burial to the undertaker. But instead of being laid to rest in Cwmgelli Cemetery as promised, Kenneth, like the others, was found in the garden.
An investigation revealed that while the undertaker didn’t break any laws of the time, his actions were deemed improper, as he buried children meant for cemeteries in a backyard, possibly pocketing funds meant for their proper burials.
The tales of these tragic finds remind us of the times when many births and infant deaths went unrecorded, casting shadows on history. The remains have since been interred properly in Swansea Cemetery, while the eerie events of that September day remain a haunting chapter in the city’s past.
Let’s remember to cherish and honour all lives, no matter how brief, and ensure history’s lessons are never forgotten. 🕊️