Monuments

The overall requirement is that the monument should be sympathetic with and blend into both the churchyard as a whole and the part of the churchyard where it will be situated in particular.

Materials

All memorials should be made of natural stone with no reflecting finish, or of hardwood. Stones traditionally used in local buildings or stones similar to them in colour and texture are to be preferred. Unpolished granites are permitted but marble, synthetic stone or plastic are not permitted.

Size

Headstones shall not be larger than 1200 millimetres (4 feet) high, 900 millimetres (3 feet) wide and 150 millimetres (6 inches) thick. They should be no less than 750 millimetres (2 feet 6 inches) high, 500 millimetres (1 foot 8 inches) wide and no less than 75 millimetres (3 inches) thick. In the case of slate memorials the

minimum thickness is 38 millimetres (1.5 inches). These measurements are not intended to define standard proportions of memorials, and memorials may be of any dimensions within the given maxima and minima.

Fixing

A headstone may stand on a stone base, provided that such a base is an integral part of the design and does not project more than 102 millimetres (4 inches) beyond the headstone in any direction, except where a receptacle for flowers is provided, in which case this should be flush with the top of the base and may extend up to 200 millimetres (8 inches) in front of the headstone. Due regard should be paid to the nature of the ground and the problems of settlement.

Note:  Other methods of fixing the memorial in the ground are not discouraged and the base of the memorial may be so shaped that it can be inserted directly into the ground at sufficient depth to ensure stability.

Crosses

A simple wooden cross not more than 750 millimetres (2 feet 6 inches) high is allowed. In the case of a stone cross an application for faculty must be made supported by a drawing of the individual design.

Around the monument

No kerbs, railings, paving, plain or coloured chippings, built-in case containers are permitted. Apart from the headstones and vases allowed the grave and its surroundings are to remain as a mowable lawned area.

Sculpturing

Sculptures such as bird baths, hearts, horseshoes, and books are not permitted. Figure statuary, cameos, photographs or portraitures are not permitted.

Etching

Etching/sculpturing on a headstone within accepted Christian symbolism is permitted.

Inscriptions

The Christian name(s) and surname of the deceased should be given with an indication of the dates of birth and death. Inscriptions must be simple and reverent. Inscriptions should be incised, or in relief, and may be painted. Plastic or other inserted lettering is not permitted. Additions may be made to an inscription at a later date following a subsequent interment in the same grave, or for other suitable reason.

However, any such addition must be separately approved. The lettering, lay-out and wording must be consistent with the original inscription.

Advertisements

No advertisement or trademark shall be inscribed in a gravestone. The mason’s name may be inscribed at the side or the reverse of a headstone in unpainted and unfilled letters no larger than half an inch in height.

Cremated remains

a) Interment is the recommended method for the disposal of cremated remains.

Strewing (burying) is allowed but scattering (on the surface) in a churchyard is forbidden.

b) Unless cremated remains are interred in an existing grave they must be interred in a part of the churchyard specifically reserved for the purpose.

c) Any casket in which cremated remains are to be interred should be of a perishable material. If they are presented in a non-perishable container, then the ashes should be tipped out of the container directly into the ground.

d) In St. John’s Garden of Remembrance memorial stones are allowed provided that the stone is not more than 18 inches by 18 inches nor less than 9 inches by 9 inches in size and is laid flush with the surrounding ground and is properly bedded. Inscriptions on such individual memorial tablets should be limited to the full name of the deceased, with the dates of birth and death.

e) At St. Mary’s Garden of Remembrance memorial plaques are attached to the perimeter wall.  These must be either brass or plastic with a weathered brass finish (non reflective) and 6 inches by 4 inches. Inscriptions on such individual memorial tablets should be limited to the full name of the deceased, with the dates of birth and death.

f) Internment at St. Paul’s Garden of Remembrance by special arrangement (please contact as above).

g) Receptacles for plants or cut flowers are not permitted except as may be provided by the faculty authorising the interment of cremated remains.