St Edmundsbury is currently responsible for the maintenance of ten closed churchyards:
|
Church
|
Location
|
Size of grounds (hectares)
|
| The Great Church Yard |
Bury St Edmunds |
2.30 |
| St John's |
Stoke by Clare |
0.46 |
| St Petronillias |
Whepstead |
0.46 |
| St Nicholas |
Denston |
0.24 |
| All Saints |
Chedburgh |
0.25 |
| St Peter's |
Ousden |
0.34 |
| St Mary's |
Lidgate |
0.34 |
| St Andrews |
Barningham |
0.25 |
| All Saints |
Rede |
0.24 |
| St Mary's |
Haverhill |
0.32 |
|
Total
|
5.20 hectares |
Frequently asked questions
What defines a closed churchyard?
A 'closed churchyard' is a Church of England burial ground that no longer has capacity for new burials and which has been closed for burials by an order made by Her Majesty in Council under Section 1 of the Burial Act 1853. The closure of a church yard brings to an end the formal right of burial for parishioners, (apart from individual vaults or graves which have been reserved by Faculty).
Why does the council have to assume responsibility?
Parish and town councils are initially served with a Parochial Church Council's (PCC) notice of closure. They have the option of passing on the notice to the borough council if they do not wish to maintain the churchyard themselves. Consequently, most borough or district level authorities, at some point in time, inherit the legal obligation to assume maintenance.
Where are the burial records for closed churchyards?
They are generally held locally in the church.
Are there limitations to what a council can do with a closed churchyard?
Yes. There may be planning restrictions appertaining to buildings and trees and so on. Wildlife such as bats and owls may also be protected. The land will remain consecrated and the council is required to obtain permission from the church authorities before making any significant changes.
As well as the interest of the church itself, churchyards provide a real insight into parish and family history.
They provide great opportunities for recreation in the form of quiet contemplation and valuable habitats for wildlife. The biodiversity value of a churchyard can often be much greater than a park or other type of open space and they are well worth a visit.
Further information
For more information contact us at:
Cemeteries Administration Office
St Edmundsbury Borough Council
West Suffolk House
Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 3YU
Phone: 01284 757068 or 757635
Fax: 01284 757066
Email: cemetery.service@stedsbc.gov.uk
