Two mass graves have been unearthed during the final stage of the development of Cane Hill Park, once a former psychiatric institution. Police have found what is estimated to be 36 skeletons in total, spread over two separate sites both accessible via what had been an undocumented bricked up tunnel system. Archaeologists have yet do do an investigation into the age and identification of the bodies, but it is suspected they may have been there as long as one hundred years.
The graves were unearthed during excavation of the gardens, the last phase of development of Cane Hill Park in Coulsdon. The unknown tunnels were discovered last week, during removal of what used to be the swimming pool. It seems further exploration of the tunnel have led to this shocking and disturbing discovery.
The former hospital which served Surrey and South London opened its doors in 1882 and closed in 1991. Demolition began in 2008 to make way for a large housing development by Barratt Homes, which was set to be completed this year.
The hospital had a cemetery on Portnails Road for inmates which was last used for burials in September 1950 and was deconsecrated and cleared at the hospital site’s redevelopment in 1981 when remains of nearly 6,000 people were exhumed and cremated at Croydon Cemetery in Mitcham Road. The recent findings have no records or acknowledgeable grave markers and are thought to be considerably older.
Residents and local people have been asked to stay away from the area until further notice. An investigation and removal of the skeletons will begin later this week.
Barratt Homes have not yet released a statement.