Frequently asked questions
The following are some of the questions that people have asked us over the years.
- How do I find out the date and time of a funeral?
- How is a burial arranged?
- When is the grave filled in after a funeral?
- Who is responsible for the cemeteries?
- Can I buy or reserve a grave?
- Can cremated remains be interred or scattered within the cemeteries?
- I am the deed owner of the grave - can anyone else be buried in it if I don’t want them to be?
- I am the deed owner of the grave – do I own the land?
- What happens when the deed of grant expires?
- What happens when the deed owner dies?
- What memorials can be placed on a grave or within the grounds?
- When can a memorial be erected on a grave?
- How do I obtain approval for a memorial?
- Who is responsible for keeping the grave memorials in good repair?
- Are chippings or gravel allowed on a grave?
- Why are there restrictions in the cemetery?
- Can my memorial be damaged when new or reopened graves are dug?
- How can I keep the cemeteries looking tidy?
- How often are graves maintained?
- How can I trace a family grave?
How do I find out the date and time of a funeral?
Please contact the relevant cemetery office.
How is a burial arranged?
Many people approach a Funeral Director immediately death occurs to advise them that they wish to arrange a burial. The Funeral Director will ensure that all the necessary forms are obtained and presented to the relevant cemetery.
All applications for an interment (burial) must be received at the cemetery office within the following time scale:
- New graves – four clear working days before the interment date
- Other graves – two clear working days before the interment date
The Funeral Director will be able to advise you on the various funeral arrangements, including types of coffins, the service, ministers/officiants and music.
When is the grave filled in after a funeral?
On the day of the funeral. Immediately after the mourners have left the graveside the grave is backfilled and made tidy.
Who is responsible for the cemeteries?
Plymouth City Council, Environmental Services - however for day to day operations of the cemeteries contact the relevant cemetery office.
Can I buy or reserve a grave?
Since 1975 graves are no longer sold in perpetuity (freehold) but can be leased for 25, 50 or 100 years. Leases can be bought in advance – please contact the relevant cemetery office for details.
Can cremated remains be interred or scattered on a grave?
Yes. Please contact the relevant cemetery office.
I am the deed owner of the grave - can anyone else be buried in it if I don’t want them to be?
No. Graves cannot be opened without the signed permission of the deed owner.
I am the deed owner of the grave – do I own the land?
No. As the deed owner you have acquired the exclusive right of burial in the grave but the land and the responsibility for its management remains with the Council.
What happens when the deed of grant expires?
A renewal letter will be sent to the last known address of the person named on the deed and the exclusive right of burial can then be renewed. It is important that you inform us of any change of address in writing so that we can amend our records.
What happens when the deed owner dies?
It is strongly advised that the grave deeds are transferred. This will avoid difficulties in the future if the grave has to be re-opened or an inscription is to be added to the memorial. Please contact the relevant cemetery office.
What memorials can be placed on a grave or within the grounds?
You cannot place memorials such as headstones, kerbs, vases or crosses without the deedholders permission and the approval of the cemetery.
No glass, pottery, wind chimes, flags, windmills, lighting, balloons or fencing are permitted.
When can a memorial be erected on a grave?
It is recommended to wait at least six months after the interment to allow the ground sufficient time to settle so that the memorial will be secure. Approval must be granted by the cemetery office.
How do I obtain approval for a memorial?
Discuss your requirements with an approved monumental mason or the cemetery office.
Who is responsible for keeping the grave memorials in good repair?
This is the deedholders responsibility, therefore it is advisable to take out insurance. Your monumental mason can advise you.
Are chippings or gravel allowed on a grave?
No - unless the grave has an approved kerbset memorial. In order to keep the grass maintained we have to use strimmers which means that chippings may be hazardous.
Why are there restrictions in the cemetery?
Apart from the main consideration of health and safety, there is also the appearance of the cemetery grounds to be considered. Things which you feel are acceptable may be dangerous, look untidy or be out of place in a cemetery environment. It helps all of us if you can be considerate and keep to the regulations.
Can my memorial be damaged when new or reopened graves are dug?
No. Soil from freshly dug graves is placed on flatboards usually on the adjoining grave. Any headstone is covered and the grave re-instated immediately after the interment.
How can I keep the cemeteries looking tidy?
By keeping to the regulations, by removing all wrappings from flowers before placing them on a grave and by removing all dead flowers. Please dispose of your waste in the appropriate litter bins.
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How often are graves maintained?
The grass is cut on a rota maintenance programme at all four cemeteries and the five closed churchyards which Plymouth City Council are responsible for. With the approval of the deedholder, families are welcome to keep their graves neat and tidy.
How can I trace a family grave?
The cemetery offices have details of all burials within their grounds. Please contact the relevant cemetery office or complete a grave search form. There may be a charge for this.