Clapham Parish Council

clapham parish churchyard

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This peaceful Churchyard is situation within the grounds of the church of St Thomas of Canterbury, off Green Lane to the east of Clapham and north of the main A6 road through the village. Parking is available on the driveway from Green Lane to the church. 

The burial and ashes plots in Clapham Parish Churchyard are all taken. Unless a plot has been bought and reserved in recent years, all interments and strewing of ashes now take place in the Milton Road Burial Ground. 

MILTON ROAD BURIAL GROUND

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Milton Road burial ground was officially opened in April 2016.  

Residents of the Parish of Clapham and their close family have a right of burial in the Milton Road Burial Ground.  Anyone working in Clapham but who is not resident here,  may request to be buried here. However, it is at the discretion of the Council  to allocate plots in these circumstances. 

frequently asked questions burials

What am I actually purchasing when I buy a burial plot ?

When you purchase a new burial plot, you are buying the rights to burial(s). You are not buying ownership of the land itself. In addition you are granted the right to erect a memorial on the grave, in accordance with cemetery regulations.

Why is it necessary to dig graves so deep?

The grave must be deep enough  to allow for the depth of the coffin or casket being interred. It must also accommodate and future burials in that grave (double plot) and legal requirements.

Are graves filled in straight after a funeral?

The grave is filled with earth immediately after mourners leave the graveside.

Can I wait while the grave is filled in?

Yes, anyone can witness the grave being filled. If your family would like to wait while the grave is filled, you must advise the Funer Director when you arrange the burial.

When will I be able to put a memorial on the grave?

We recommend you wait at least 6 month to slow the earth to settle.

Why is there a lease on the plot I have bought?

The law does not allow graves to be sold for more than 100years.

What happens when the lease expires on a new grave?

When you buy a burial plot, you are purchasing the rights of burial in that plot for 100 years. If the lease is not renewed, the burial rights will expire. No further interments will be allowed in the grave. When the lease expires on plot older than 100 years, the graive becomes the responsibility of Clapham Parish Council.

What happens when the lease expires on a new grave?

When you buy a burial plot, you are purchasing the rights of burial in that plot for 100 years. If the lease is not renewed, the burial rights will expire. No further interments will be allowed in the grave.

What happens when all the plot owners have died?

Te right of burial can be transferred from a deceased owner through their estate. This can be a very complex procedure and each request is considered on individual merit. If you need to transfer ownership when all owners are deceased, please contact Clapham Parish Council.