In this section you will find the Registry Guidance note about Churchyards, covering
- their consecration and use;
- maintenance responsibilities;
- memorial ownership maintenance and safety; and
- closure procedures and consequences.
The Registry Guidance note attempts to explain how these various aspects link together and will be of particular use to clergy.
The Diocesan Churchyard Memorial Regulations are also to be found here, dealing with the physical character of memorial stone and inscription which an incumbent may permit without a specific faculty being required. They also cover many other practical aspects of churchyard management.
Memorials: in addition to the guidance above, we have provided a link to the standard memorial application form which incumbents will require before any approval can be given within the Regulations. The form contains a statement by the memorial mason that they have read the regulations and that the stone in question complies with the regulations.
- Registry Guidance on Churchyard Maintenance, Closure and Memorials
- Churchyard Memorial Regulations
- Guidance to the Bereaved
- Churchyard Standard Memorial Form
- Handbook for the Bereaved
- Ministry of Justice Guidance on Memorial Safety
- Ministry of Justice Guidance on Churchyard Closure
- Ownership of Church and Churchyards