A family who spent 17 years visiting the wrong grave after a burial mix-up have received an apology from the Church of England’s representative in the House of Commons. MPs heard the Bell family, from County Durham, suffered a “heart-breaking” eight-week delay in burying their mother Hilda alongside her husband Thomas after it emerged someone else was in the grave they believed was his.
Mr Bell’s coffin was eventually located and his wife was able to be buried alongside him at Holy Trinity Church, Wingate. An inquiry into the matter is due to begin next month.
Conservative MP Andrew Selous, who acts as the Second Church Estates Commissioner, told the House of Commons: “This has been a deeply troubling time for the Bell family and I’d like to pass on my heartfelt apologies for what has happened. I’m pleased that this issue has been resolved and the lessons learned process begins next month.
