Canterbury Cathedral has hosted a poignant memorial to the more than 500 people known to have lost their lives attempting to cross from Calais and Northern France to the UK.

The official figure of 500 deaths reflects records since 1999, with the true number believed to be much higher due to missing persons and unrecorded cases.

The Cathedral described it as a “tragic milestone” in the refugee crisis.

The project is titled Victims of the Border: a memorial for those who journeyed in hope, and marks International Refugee Week (16th - 22nd June). It listed the names of all identified individuals who died on the journey, with additional plaques honouring unidentified victims, or those whose families requested privacy.

The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover and Bishop in Canterbury, said: “The theme for Refugee Week this year is focused on community. As a woman of faith, I am reminded that God loved the world that he created. I believe in the goodness of all God created and in the humanity which I am part of.”

As part of a collaboration between the Diocese in Europe, the Diocese of Canterbury, and the United Society Partners in the Gospel, Anglican Refugee Support Lead Bradon Muilenburg is based in Calais and will be speaking throughout the week in the Cathedral’s Crypt.

Sharing some of the stories behind the names, he said: “This is an opportunity for us as Christians to come alongside those who mourn. We ask visitors to choose a name from the memorial, think about that person and their hopes and dreams for sanctuary. Pray for them, and their families. Help support safe routes to avoid these tragedies.”