Bedford church appeals for community support after historic tombs vandalism
it follows two separate acts of vandalism against tombs dating back over 200 years
A Bedford parish is appealing for community support after two incidents of vandalism at Sacred Heart of Jesus & St Cuthbert Church’s historic cemetery, where tombs dating back to the 1800s were severely damaged.
The Grade II listed church, located on St Cuthbert’s near Castle Road, is a well-known landmark in the town.
Its cemetery contains large, historic tombs, some belonging to notable figures from Bedford’s past.
Gina Marszalek, a member of the church committee, said: "The church has what’s known as the closed cemetery, and in the cemetery are tombs that date back to the 1800s.
"We noticed on a Monday morning, just after a Mass, that some of the tombs had been vandalised very significantly and we had two that were very, very badly destroyed.
"Somebody had obviously tried to get into them because the earth was disturbed as well. So it was a very shocking and disturbing discovery."
Only weeks later, further graves were targeted.
"Now we only have one of the tombs that is left intact and we’re obviously very concerned about that," Ms Marszalek said.
Because of their size and construction, the damage was easy to see even from outside the graveyard.
Parishioners and local residents alike have been distressed.
"When people are laid to rest, you expect people to behave in a respectful and dignified manner. Even if you’re not affiliated to any religion, as a human being you wouldn’t think to disturb someone’s remains. It just is abhorrent," Ms Marszalek said.
The church reported both incidents to police. Officers visited after the second incident and assured the parish patrols would be increased in the area.
Bedford Borough Council’s bereavement services and local stonemasons have also assessed the site.
Repairing or restoring the damaged tombs is expected to be extremely costly. Many were constructed with large slabs of stone, and the inscriptions themselves are part of Bedford’s Victorian heritage.
Ms Marszalek added: "It is unlikely that we’ll be able to restore them to their original glory".
Despite the shock, the parish has received strong support from the community, the council, the wider town.
The church is now also appealing for support to help fund security measures and repairs.