Why are graves dug so deep?
Graves have to be dug to a sufficient depth to allow for future burials to take place. Therefore the grave needs to be deep enough to allow not only for the depth of coffins/caskets that will be buried but also to accommodate legal requirements of undisturbed earth to be between each coffin and the amount of earth that must cover the last interment.
Why are there so many different types of graves available at some cemeteries?
We have introduced a wide range of graves to give people as many options as possible when arranging the burial of a loved one. For many the lawn grave is considered to be the best option, but for others burial above ground in our Mausoleums or Burial Chambers is the best option. It is really a matter of choice.
I have a lawn grave. Why can’t I put a full memorial over the surface of the grave?
The lawn grave was designed on the war grave principle (to have only a memorial of limited size at the head of the grave with the rest of the grave laid to lawn). In this manner the limited area available for burial is best utilised. In addition maintenance is easier to accomplish with large mowing machinery being used to keep the area in a neat condition. These graves are sold on the understanding that only lawn style memorials are erected.
Are graves filled in straight after a funeral or are they left to the next day?
Graves are prepared for burial on the day at least one prior to the service taking place. The grave is backfilled and made tidy immediately after the mourners have departed the graveside.
I understand that some people wait while the grave is filled in. Why is this?
Some cultures require that the grave is filled in while the family watch or they may wish to undertake the backfilling of the grave themselves. When families want this it is essential that the cemetery is made aware of their requirements when the burial is first arranged. This will ensure that the family's wishes are met and that their safety is protected during the backfilling process
I've got a lawn grave. When will I be able to put a memorial onto it?
Where the headstone is erected directly on the excavated area of the grave there must be a period of at least 6 months, which gives the ground time to settle and consolidate. During this period the cemetery staff should monitor any sink-age that becomes apparent and top up periodically with topsoil until settlement ceases. This period may sometimes differ due to weather conditions. Even after settlement has ceased it is advisable to ensure that your memorial mason adopts the NAMM Code of Practice, which is the use of ground anchors and fixings or other approved system. Bereavement Services now sell headstones to the general public. An enquiry form can be collected from the offices for completion, whereupon our Agent will contact you and make suitable arrangements and discuss the various styles will supply.
I own the grave - can anyone else be buried in it if I don't want them to?
I am told the grave is for two people - there is only one person in the grave and I now want two more burials to take place in the grave.
When a grave is purchased to take two full body burials, the depth to which the grave is excavated for the first burial must take into account the need for the second burial. There are legal requirements as to how much earth must be left on top of the last coffin, and it is therefore not physically possible to put an extra coffin into the grave without breaking the law. However, after the grave is full for coffined burials, cremated remain caskets or urns may still be buried within the grave.
What happens when the lease expires?
Why can't I have what I want on the grave?
What happens if/when all the owners have died?
Who is responsible for the memorial?
Vandalism
Unstable headstones
Why is a permit needed?
I want to bury cremated remains into the grave. Why do I have to decide whether there will be any more burials before this can be done?
It is against the law to disturb human remains without licence (including cremated remains in a casket or urn), and therefore no further burials will be possible in the grave until a licence has been obtained. Cremated remains can be buried in the grave at full depth, in which case they will not be disturbed by further full body burials, but by having to excavate a grave to this depth there will be additional charges for opening the grave.
Bedford
MK41 0RL
Telephone: 01234 718150