A MEMORIAL to the poor who were buried in unmarked graves after dying in Maldon’s workhouse has been unveiled.

The dedication service took place in Maldon Cemetery to remember the people who died in Maldon Union Workhouse, which is now St Peter’s Hospital, and the Fever Hospital located in the workhouse grounds between 1873 and 1948.

AG Smith Funeral Directors handcrafted and donated a granite memorial dedicated to those who lay in unmarked graves, after their colleague Andrew Cranvey carried out research to identify the location of the graves.

Maldon Union Workhouse was built in 1872-73 to house 450 people and only closed in 1948.

During the years it was open, those who died either in the Workhouse or the Fever Hospital, who were not claimed by relatives or did not have funds to cover the cost of their funeral, were buried in unmarked graves in Maldon Cemetery.

At the service, celebrant Kate Millner read out a special poem she had written.

The dedication service was attended by members of the public and speeches were delivered by Maldon District Council chairman Bob Boyce and Rev Canon Stephen Carter.

Mr Boyce said: “Although we do not know the names of many who have been laid to rest here, I think this dedication today is a fitting way in which to remember them.

“I would like to thank Andrew Cranvey from AG Smith Funeral Directors for undertaking the research into this particular site and for providing the granite memorial.

“I must also acknowledge the exceptional work of the council’s park staff, the community payback team and team of volunteers, who have worked so hard to clear the overgrown shrubs, remake the fences and relay the pathways, making this a much more pleasant environment to reflect and remember those who are no longer with us.”