Darwen memorial to honour those in unmarked graves

The bench is located in the Ashes and Memorial Garden

Graham Artis, chair of FODC, and Andy Macnae Mp with the new bench
Author: Bill Jacobs, LDRSPublished 13th Apr 2026

A new memorial seat will honour the men, women and children buried in unmarked graves in Darwen Cemetery has been unveiled.

The bench, provided by the Friends of Darwen Cemetery (FODC) was unveiled at the weekend.

The seat is located in the Ashes and Memorial Garden.

Sunday’s ceremony was a low-key event attended by FODC Trustees, members and close family and a few invited guests.

A dedication service was conducted by Rev. Terry Young and the seat was unveiled by Rossendale and Darwen MP Andy MacNae MP.

FODC Trustee John East said: “We have been looking for an appropriate way to commemorate the many still, baby deaths and those many local folk who have no marked graves in Darwen Cemetery.

“The bench will be perfect for the community to reflect, pray and remember loved ones.

“A huge thank-you to all who were present on Sunday, Stevenson Memorials, Band Blackburn with Darwen Bereavement Services for their continued help and support.

Information is published on the FODC website to help locate a grave.

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