Many people approach a funeral director immediately after a death occurs to arrange a burial. The funeral director will make sure we receive the necessary forms and help you with the funeral arrangements.
Our short guide below explains some of the choices available to you.
Burials are available at the following cemeteries:
- Weston Mill Cemetery
- Efford Cemetery
- Longcause Cemetery
- Ridge Cross Cemetery
Apply for a burial
Applications for a burial (interment) must be received by:
- New graves - ten clear working days before the burial date
- Re-open graves - four clear working days before the burial date
Buying or reserving a grave
Graves are no longer sold as freehold but can be leased for 25, 50 or 100 years. Leases can be bought in advance.
When you buy a lease we still own the land and the responsibility for its management remains with us but as deed holder/owner you have the exclusive right of burial in that grave. You will also need to give permission for someone else to be buried in the grave or to place a memorial.
When a deed expires, a renewal letter will be sent to the last known address of the person named on the deed. If the deed owner dies, deeds can be transferred. This will avoid difficulties if the grave has to be re-opened or an inscription is to be added to the memorial. The following forms need to be completed together:
You'll need to inform us of any change of address or circumstances in writing so that we can amend our records.
Memorials
We recommend waiting at least six months after a burial (to allow the ground to settle) before placing a memorial. Once a memorial is in place the deed holder/owner is responsible for the memorial's safety and keeping it in good repair. For memorial approval please email cemeteries@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 307770 for Weston Mill and Efford memorials.
Tracing a family grave
We have details of all burials within our cemetery grounds.
To trace a family grave please email cemeteries@plymouth.gov.uk, call 01752 307770 for Weston Mill and Efford memorials or complete the grave search form below (there may be a charge for this).