Graves
We aim to avoid discrimination against anyone because of race, religion, disability, creed or belief. The Cemetery Service aims to meet the needs of East Hampshire’s diverse community by providing a service that respects religious and cultural requirements.
At each of the cemeteries there are sections, dedicated when established, in which:-
- the ground has been consecrated, in accordance with the rites of the Church of England
- the ground is unconsecrated, for all other religions and beliefs, which may be blessed at the time of interment
Please do not hesitate to discuss with your Funeral Director, or with us, any needs that you may have regarding the burial.
New Graves
New graves are available at all cemeteries. If the grave is likely to be visited regularly by someone who has difficulty walking, please let us know when booking the funeral. We will then try our best to ensure that the grave is easily accessible from a path or road.
Reopening Graves
Graves may contain up to three full burials, or two full burials and 6 ashes interments. This is dependant on ground water and soil conditions.
Reserving a Burial Plot
Subject to availability, burial plots may be reserved, for which there is a charge.
Memorial stones
Only those stone masons registered by the council are permitted to erect a memorial.
Other forms of Memorial
At the discretion of the Cemetery Officer, other forms of memorials may be considered, e.g. trees, benches (although these are dependent upon space) and bird baths.
Following a burial
Around 2/3 weeks after the funeral, all the flowers, wreaths and other items will be removed from the grave (unless you request otherwise in writing). The soil within the grave will naturally settle over time. The contractor will inspect for settlement and top the grave up if necessary. After the settlement has finished, the contractor will turf the grave.
Exclusive rights of burial
Exclusive rights of burial does not mean you own the actual piece of land, only the exclusive right of burial. This means, it does protect your rights and as the owner of the Deed you have automatic rights to be buried in the grave, or you may authorise further burials in the grave, if space is available.
Common Graves
Any grave where the exclusive right of burial has not been purchased is known as a Common Grave. If you choose to arrange a burial in a common grave you do not have the right to erect any memorial or leave any mementoes as the council owns the exclusive right of burial.
Please be aware that the council retains the right, in these cases, to carry out further unrelated burials into that grave.