The disturbing article transcribed below appeared in The Weekly Mail 115 years ago today, on 25 April 1903:
MERTHYR CHURCHYARD.
PROPOSED REMOVAL OF 2,000 BODIES.
At the annual meeting of the Merthyr Urban District Council on Wednesday, the rector and Dr. W. W. Jones, churchwardens, attended as a deputation to ask that the council should withdraw that portion of the Bill they are promoting in Parliament which proposes to take in part of the parish churchyard for the widening of the lower part of High Street.
The Rector pointed out that it would be abhorrent to many families to have the remains of buried relatives disturbed, and indicated an alternative scheme whereby the widening could be effected by the removal of certain houses on the other side of the road.
Dr. Jones mentioned the startling fact that the scheme of the council in its present form would necessitate the removal of over 2,000 bodies. After some discussion upon the retirement of the deputation it was determined to adhere to the Bill.