We appreciate that during this difficult time you will have to make important decisions about the cemetery and grave you want for the funeral.

For information telephone 01376 557772.

The following information will help you make your choice.

How do I buy a grave?

You can purchase the exclusive right of burial in a grave space, normally, your funeral director will help to make the necessary arrangements. Some people may want to make their own arrangements at the time of the funeral or even reserve a grave space that they do not intend to use for many years.

You can organise this by directly contacting us and we will be happy to advise you.

If you would like to view the section of the cemetery where the burial is to take place before the funeral, we will arrange for a member of staff to meet with you on the site.

How long can I purchase an exclusive right of burial for?
In our cemeteries we offer several types of grave. The exclusive right of burial is sold for 100 years. These are known as 'purchased graves'.

Who can purchase an exclusive right of burial?
Any one can purchase a grave in one of the four Council Cemeteries. Non-residents of Braintree District Council will pay double the fee.

When can burials take place?
Interments can take place on Mondays to Fridays between 10:00am and 3:30 from 1 October to 28 February and between 10:00am and 4:30 from 1 March to 30 September (excluding Bank Holidays).
 
Traditional grave spaces
These allow the owner of the grave to put a full headstone and surround on the grave after burial.

All memorials of this type must be built on a concrete base or 'landing'.

Lawn-type graves
We will maintain the surrounding grassed areas, at no expense to the grave owner.

After the burial, the grave is made level and grassed over apart from a small garden area measuring 24” x 24” (external measurements). A headstone can be erected it can have a vase plate on which flowers or wreaths can be placed.

Other areas are available for full memorials; please contact us for additional information.

Can I bury cremated remains in the cemeteries?
Yes, there are memorial gardens for cremated remains at each of our cemeteries. Cremated remains can also be placed in purchased graves.

Are all the graves on consecrated ground?
All of our cemeteries have consecrated (blessed as sacred) areas where you can buy graves. The consecrated ground is consecrated by the Church of England.

What is the difference between unpurchased and purchased graves?

Unpurchased grave
An unpurchased grave, sometimes known as a public or common grave, is where the right to burial has not been bought and the council has total control of the grave. These graves can be bought at a later date if wished. 

Purchased grave
A purchased grave is where the right of burial can be bought for a period of 100 years.

The owner of the right of burial can decide who will be buried in the grave and must sign for any memorial to be placed on the grave as allowed in line with our cemetery regulations.

How much will it cost? -  Click here to see Cemetery Interment Fees

Memorials
We know how important memorials are as a lasting symbol of remembrance. We offer technical advice and help to make sure that all memorials meet cemetery regulations.