We appreciate that after a bereavement is a very difficult time and you will have to make important decisions about the cemetery and grave you want for the funeral. The following information will help you to make your choice.
How do I buy a grave?
Normally, your funeral director will help to make the necessary arrangements for buying a grave. Some people may want to make their own arrangements at the time of the funeral. You can organise this by directly contacting us. We will be happy to advise you. If you would like to view the section of the cemetery where the burial is to take place before the funeral, we will arrange for a member of staff to meet you on the site.
How long can I buy a grave for?
In the two cemeteries we manage, we offer several types of grave. The exclusive right of burial is sold for 50 years. These are known as 'purchased graves'.
When can burials take place?
Burials can take place on any weekday, except on bank holidays. Please talk to your funeral director or contact us to discuss any specific needs.
What types of graves are available?
Lawn-type graves: we will maintain these special areas, at no expense to the grave owner. After the burial, the grave is made level and grassed over. On all new sections concrete beams are installed onto which a Stone mason can anchor a memorial. So that we can maintain these areas, nothing else is allowed to be placed or grown on or around the grave and the area in front of the headstone is grassed over.
Can I bury cremated remains in the cemeteries?
Yes, there are memorial gardens for cremated remains at each of our cemeteries. Cremated remains can also be placed in purchased graves.
Are all the graves on consecrated ground?
Most of our cemeteries have consecrated (blessed as sacred) and unconsecrated areas where you can buy graves. The consecrated ground is consecrated by the Church of England.
What is the difference between unpurchased and purchased graves?
Unpurchased grave: An unpurchased grave, sometimes known as a public or common grave, is where the right to burial cannot be bought and we have total control of the grave. We will decide who will be buried in the grave and this might not be members of the same family. No memorial rights exist on public graves so no headstone or other memorial can be put up.
Purchased grave: A purchased grave is where the right of burial can be bought for a period of 50 years. The owner of the right of burial can decide who will be buried in the grave and memorials are allowed in line with our cemetery regulations.
How much will it cost?
Cemetery fees and charges from 1 January 2010 (PDF 34Kb)
Memorials
We know how important memorials are as a lasting symbol of remembrance. We offer technical advice and help to make sure that all memorials meet cemetery regulations. Information about memorials (attach the current cemetery regulations relating to memorials here in a PDF format).
Contact us
Cemeteries Administration Office
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
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