Cemeteries

We currently run eight cemeteries, with Arnos Vale Cemetery being run by the Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust. A full list of the cemeteries and their addresses can be found on our Crematoria and Cemeteries - locations and contact details page.

Monumental masonry can be purchased for graves with the permission of the holder of the Exclusive Right of Burial for the plot.

Provision of graves

Existing graves

In all of our cemeteries existing graves may be opened for burial, with authority from the grave owner, where sufficient space allows.

New graves

New graves are available in the following cemeteries:

• South Bristol Cemetery
• Canford Cemetery
• Henbury Cemetery
• Greenbank Cemetery
• Avonview Cemetery

Typically a 4feet 6inches deep grave will accommodate one coffin burial and a 6 foot deep grave will accommodate 2 coffin burials.

At South Bristol we are able to provide new graves in certain areas designated to various religions and cultures:

• Ba'hai
• Chinese
• Jewish
• Polish
• Muslim

Future use graves

Only South Bristol Cemetery has sufficient burial space to allow an unlimited sale of "Future use" graves.

Purchased: exclusive right of burial

Should you decide to purchase a new grave, it is the Exclusive Right of Burial to the grave that you purchase, not the grave itself.

The owner purchases the right of burial and the right to place a memorial.

Different specifications for memorials are applied to the various sections of new graves and it is very important that any restrictions are clearly understood by the purchaser prior to entering the agreement, as in fairness to other grave owners, no exceptions may be made.

At the time of purchase you will be asked to specify if the grave space will be required to inter one, two or three persons and the depth of the grave shall be noted upon the Deed accordingly. The limitation shall not apply to the interment of cremated remains, the number being limited by ground conditions.

The Exclusive Right of Burial is granted for a specific period of time, currently fifty years for grave spaces, thirty years for cremated remain plots, after which time the Right reverts back to the City Council.

Unpurchased graves

It is possible to arrange for a burial to take place in an unpurchased grave ie a grave where the Exclusive Right of Burial is retained by the City Council. The grave will be selected by the Manager, on the understanding that it is provided for the burial of unrelated persons, and no memorial shall be permitted.

Contact us

If you wish to discuss any issues regarding the purchase of a grave, please call the appropriate office as described on our contact details page. Address and images from the sky can also be found for each cemetery.

Cost of purchasing a grave / cost of burial

Cost of purchasing a grave

For the Exclusive Right of Burial in an earthen grave 9 feet by 4 feet (coffin) (period of Right of Burial: 50 years): £781.00.

For the Exclusive Right of Burial in an earthen grave 9 feet by 5 feet (casket) (period of Right of Burial: 50 years): £974.00.

For the extension of the Exclusive Right of Burial in an earthen grave 9 feet by 4 feet for a further 25 years: £259.00.

For the pre-purchase of an Exclusive Right of Burial in an earthen grave 9 feet by 4 feet (there will be a restriction on the amount of graves available) (period of Right of Burial: 50 years). This applies to all cemeteries with the exception of South Bristol: £1563.00.

For the Pre-purchase of an Exclusive Right of Burial in an earthen grave 9 feet by 4 feet (period of Right of Burial: 50 years) South Bristol Cemetery: £1563.00.

Woodland Burial Plot - Interment in a woodland plot at South Bristol Cemetery, including the Exclusive Right of Burial for 30 years and the planting of a memorial tree: £781.00.

Exclusive Right of Burial: Fee for the transfer of ownership: £14.

Exclusive Right of Burial: Fee for the provision of a duplicate grant (deed): £55.

Cost of burial

Fees payable for Avonview, Brislington, Canford, Greenbank, Henbury, Ridgeway Park, Shirehampton and South Bristol cemeteries:

• For the interment (burial) in a grave:
• Of the body of a still-born child, or a child whose age at the time of death did not exceed twelve months: Free.
• Of the body of a child whose age at the time of death exceeded one year but did not exceed 16 years (ie had not reached 16 birthday): £272.00.
• Of the body of a person whose age at the time of death exceeded 16 years: £681.00.

• For any burial (including cremated remains) in a vault: £681.00 Plus fee for provision of slabs for vault chamber: £91.00.

• Additional charges shall be payable for the:
• Interment of a casket-type coffin: £341.00.
• Boarding out of a Muslim grave: £113.00.

• For the burial of a casket of cremated remains in a grave: £138.00.

• For two burials in the same grave at one time: One single fee.

• Opening of wrong grave due to production of wrong grant or incorrect instructions: £341.00.

• Organist fees for burial services within both crematorium chapels: £40.00.

FAQs

How do I make arrangements to be buried?

It is important to make your wishes known to your representative i.e. your next of kin or your executor. If you do not make your wishes known it may be assumed at the time of making the funeral arrangements that you had no preference towards burial or cremation and therefore your wishes may not be carried out.

Can I have a burial service in my local church?

Yes. You should make your wishes known to your next of kin or other personal representative who will be responsible for making your funeral arrangements.

Do I have to purchase a grave?

No. Burial can be arranged in an unpurchased grave, selected by the local authority, specifically for the purpose of burying unrelated persons. No memorial can be erected upon an unpurchased grave.

Can I buy a grave before I die?

Yes. The Exclusive Right of Burial can be purchased for a grave in South Bristol Cemetery, for future use.

What evidence do I have that the grave is purchased?

It is the Exclusive Right of Burial that is purchased and not the grave itself. We (the Burial Authority) will have a record of all rights purchased to graves in our Cemeteries. In addition the owner will be issued with a Grant of Right of Burial which will state the owner's name, the grave number/section and the term of years that the right exists. It is only the owner of the right who can authorise a burial or the placement of a memorial.

Can I have a temporary marker on the grave?

Yes, but you should advise the Cemetery office that you intend to place a marker on the grave and confirm the size and type of material which is acceptable. Temporary markers are permitted for no more than one year, prior to a permanent memorial being erected. A stonemason may be able to provide a temporary vase until such time as the new memorial has been erected.

How do I make arrangements for a new memorial?

A memorial can only be placed upon a grave where the Right of Burial has been purchased, and with the authority of the grave owner. In most cases a monumental mason will make the application for the permit and supply a sketch, inscription details and fee on your behalf.

Is it necessary for my new memorial to be removed if the grave is to be reopened?

Memorials are removed from many graves prior to opening, for Health and Safety reasons and/or to prevent unnecessary damage. The memorial will be removed by a monumental mason, to his premises, to await instructions from the family to reinstate.

What can I do about my family's old gravestone?

There are many gravestones in our cemeteries which are neglected and in a poor state of repair. As the families concerned provided the memorials, the council does accept responsibility for repairing them. If requested, the council will remove a memorial, either partially or completely free of charge. Alternatively, the family may make arrangements with a stonemason for a memorial to be restored, modified or cleared. In most cases the removal of old kerbstones from the graves enhances the appearance of older headstones.

Will the council maintain my grave?

Yes, the council has a 'grave maintenance scheme'. For an annual payment individual graves are planted with flowers twice a year. Contact the cemetery office for details.

Can I have my cremated remains buried in my family grave?

Yes, providing this is authorised by the owner of the Exclusive Right of Burial. The cremated remains must be buried in a wooden or other biodegradable container and we can no longer arrange loose burials (scatters) in a family grave.