Buying a grave

We appreciate that during this difficult time you will have to make important decisions about the cemetery and grave you want for the funeral.

The following information will help you 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 with you on the site.

Please note that you cannot pre-purchase a grave at the cemetery.

How long can I buy a grave for?

At Allum Lane Cemetery we offere graves for burials or interment of ashes.  The exclusive right of burial is sold for 99 years. These are known as 'purchased graves'.

Who can buy a grave?

Anyone can purchase a grave at Allum Lane Cemetery, however, for residents outside the Borough fees are tripled.

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.  The headstone may be made of marble or granite with a vase in which flowers can be placed.

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.

These graves can be used for burials or ashes interment.

Muslim graves are located in Sections M and N.  Please call 020 8207 7497 for further details.

Are all the graves on consecrated ground?

Allum Lane Cemetery contains both consecrated (blessed as sacred) and unconsecrated plots.  The consecrated plots have been blessed by a Church of England Bishop.

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 the council has total control of the grave.

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 99 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?

For information on fees, please see our funeral expenses page.

Memorials

For information on memorials, please see the Ordering a Memorial page.

If you have any questions about Allum Lane Cemetery, please contact Jon Hawes on 020 8207 7497.