Can ashes be buried in a family grave?
Cremated remains of a person may be buried under the surface/sod of a family grave. It must be recorded in the Register of Burials. The parochial fee must be paid and the Vicar needs to be present whether or not there are prayers of committal. The undertaker need not attend if the family is content to dig a small hole to bury the cremated remains. The remains should not be scattered over the surface of the grave and, of course, the family should not attend at the grave informally and bury the ashes themselves under the sod. If they wish to place a plaque on the grave then an application must be made under the Churchyard Memorial Rules 2005 and the appropriate fee paid. If the churchyard is full and has been closed for burials by Order in Council, then burial of cremated remains in a family grave first requires to be authorised by faculty.
