St. Andrew's Churchyard
A peaceful place of rest and remembrance in the heart of our community
About Our Churchyard
A Place of Peace
Our churchyard has been a place of burial for over [X] years, providing a peaceful final resting place for generations of our community. The grounds are lovingly maintained as both a place of remembrance and a haven for wildlife.
Heritage & History
Many notable local figures rest here, and our older graves tell the story of our community through the centuries. We maintain records of all burials and can help with family history research.
Wildlife Sanctuary
The churchyard serves as an important green space, supporting local wildlife including birds, small mammals, and diverse plant species. We balance conservation with respectful maintenance.
Burial Rights & Regulations
Who Can Be Buried
Under Church of England law, the following people have the right to burial in our churchyard:
Burial Rights
- Residents of the parish at the time of death
- Those whose names are on the church electoral roll
- Those who die in the parish (even if not resident)
- Those with family graves in the churchyard
Burial Process
- Contact the Vicar: Speak with our vicar as soon as possible after death
- Funeral Director: Your funeral director will liaise with the church
- Grave Selection: Available plots will be allocated
- Service Planning: Arrange the funeral service details
- Memorial Planning: Discuss headstone and memorial options
Memorial Regulations
Headstones & Memorials
All memorials in the churchyard must comply with Church of England regulations and local diocesan guidelines. These rules help maintain the dignity and appearance of the churchyard while allowing for personal remembrance.
Traditional Headstones
- Natural stone materials (granite, sandstone, slate)
- Maximum height: 4 feet (including base)
- Maximum width: 3 feet
- Simple, dignified designs
Memorial Plaques
- Ground-level memorial stones
- Maximum size: 2 feet x 1 foot
- Natural materials only
- Suitable for burial of ashes
What's Not Permitted
- Artificial materials or flowers
- Glass, metal, or plastic decorations
- Kerbs or railings around graves
- Photographs (except ceramic portraits)
Approval Process
All memorials must be approved by the Parochial Church Council before installation. Please submit plans and specifications to the vicar before commissioning any memorial work.
- Contact the vicar with your memorial plans
- Submit detailed drawings and specifications
- Wait for PCC approval (usually 2-4 weeks)
- Commission approved stonemason
- Coordinate installation with the church
Maintenance & Care
General Maintenance
The church maintains the paths, boundaries, and general upkeep of the churchyard. We mow the grass regularly and tend to the overall appearance of the grounds.
- Weekly grass cutting in growing season
- Path and boundary maintenance
- Tree care and pruning
- Pest control when necessary
Family Responsibilities
Families are responsible for the care of their own grave plots and memorials. This includes cleaning headstones and maintaining plantings around graves.
- Headstone cleaning and maintenance
- Removal of dead flowers
- Weed control around memorials
- Reporting any damage to the church
Flowers & Decorations
We encourage the planting of appropriate flowers and shrubs. However, all decorations must be in keeping with the peaceful nature of the churchyard.
- Fresh flowers always welcome
- Small seasonal plants permitted
- No artificial flowers or decorations
- Remove dead/dying decorations promptly
Visiting the Churchyard
Opening Hours
Daylight Hours: Dawn to dusk every day
Access: Main gates always open
Parking: Limited parking available on [Street Name]
The churchyard is open every day for quiet reflection and remembrance. Please respect the peaceful nature of the space and other visitors.
Finding a Grave
If you're looking for a particular grave, we maintain burial records dating back to [year]. Contact the church office and we'll be happy to help locate your family grave.
Information needed:
- Full name of deceased
- Approximate date of death
- Any known family connections
Churchyard Etiquette
Please help us maintain the peaceful atmosphere:
- Keep voices low and respectful
- Dogs must be kept on leads
- No cycling or ball games
- Take litter home with you
- Respect ongoing funeral services
- Report any damage to the church
Research & Records
Family History Research
Our burial records are an valuable resource for family history research. We maintain comprehensive records of all burials and can help you trace family connections to our churchyard.
What We Can Help With
- Location of family graves
- Burial dates and records
- Historical information about the churchyard
- Connections to parish records
- Photographs of memorials (where possible)
Research Request Process
- Contact us with as much detail as possible
- Allow 2-3 weeks for research
- Small donation requested to cover costs
- Results shared by email or post
Questions About the Churchyard?
Whether you're planning ahead, need information about burial rights, or want to research family history, we're here to help with any churchyard-related enquiries.