Memorial regulations

There are certain regulations which apply to different sections in the cemetery. The regulations exist for aesthetic and safety reasons. It is quite normal to ask for prices and to obtain written estimates detailing all costs involved. If you compare prices given by different firms make sure you are really comparing like with like, e.g. Is the stone exactly the same and not just a look-alike. Before signing an order, make sure you have checked it thoroughly and be particularly careful that the wording, spelling and dates are correct and the layout is as you want it.

It is the responsibility of the grave owner to maintain their memorial. We will remove memorials which are dangerous, or may move them if access is needed to reopen a grave. It is always advisable to insure a memorial against accidental damage and vandalism. Your chosen mason will be able to provide you with details.

Once you have agreed the design of the memorial, and the wording to be inscribed, you will need to sign a Memorial Application Form(pdf, 30KB), and you can download the form from this link. There is a memorial application fee to pay, and your Mason will advise you of this when he provides you with your estimate.

Lawn sections

The dimensions of a headstone on a lawn section, which cannot be exceeded, are 3 feet in height (including the base) 2 feet in width and 1 feet deep (914mm x 610mm x 305mm). All headstones must be on a suitable bearer and be fixed with the NAMM Ground Anchor System. On the very new lawn sections in Richmond Cemetery, a concrete beam has been placed which we hope will ensure the stability of the memorials erected there.

A temporary wooden cross(pdf, 22KB) can be purchased and can remain until a permanent memorial is erected, or a new cross can be purchased once the original has deteriorated. It should be remembered that no planting is permitted in the lawn area, and adequate flower containers may need to be incorporated in the final memorial to suit your needs.

Traditional sections

The dimensions of a full memorial on a traditional section, which cannot be exceeded, are 5 feet in height, 2 feet 6 inches in width and 6 feet 6 inches in length.(1524mm x 762mm x 1980mm).

All foundations and fixing methods are to be those currently recommended by NAMM. Solid landings are preferred and only in special circumstances will frame landings be permitted. If a frame landing is used, it should be remembered that problems might be experienced from self-sown tree seedlings. It may also cause problems if the memorial should need to be moved in the future for further burials.

Grave owners do not have to have a full memorial on a traditional section. The owner may prefer to have a headstone only and plant the grave space, or have the grave turfed over. You may wish to visit our page giving information about flowers with meanings to make your planting more poignant.

A temporary wooden cross can be purchased which can remain until a decision is made regarding a permanent memorial. If you would like to purchase a temporary wooden cross from the cemetery office, you can download the application form(pdf, 22KB) from here.

Children's sections

The dimensions of a full memorial on the children's section, which cannot be exceeded, is 2 feet in height, 18 inches in width and 3 feet in length.(610mm x 457mm x 914mm)

Grave owners do not have to have a full memorial on the children's section. The owner may prefer to have a headstone only and plant the grave space, or have the grave turfed over.

A white wooden cross can be purchased to mark the grave until a decision is made. If you would like to purchase a cross from the cemetery office, you can download the application form(pdf, 22KB) from here.

The Columbarium Unit, Hampton Cemetery

These are self contained units. The larger tablet covers the concrete lid, with the bolts securing it. The smaller tablet sits between the bolts on the concrete lid. Both lids are made of Red Balmoral Granite with polished edges. The cemetery office will be pleased to advise you of a stonemason who can provide these memorials, as they are of a specific size and type. The burial cannot take place until the memorial lid is ready. Please view our page of cremated remains options.

Garden of Rest, Richmond Cemetery

There are two options for memorials in this Garden of Rest. One is a rubbed Westmoreland Slate tablet with the dimensions of 10 inches width by 7inches length (254mm x 178mm).

This memorial is placed centrally on each grave space. The top of the tablet should be flush with ground level.

The alternative memorial is a black granite sloping wedge, which has gold lettering and is purchased through the cemetery department. You can find out further information on this, and the following options, by viewing our page of cremated remains options.

Family cremated remains plots

The dimensions of a full memorial on these sections, which cannot be exceeded, are 18 inches in height, 2 feet in width and length (457mm x 610mm x 610mm). Grave owners do not have to have a full memorial on this section, and may prefer to plant the 2 feet (610mm) square area.

A temporary wooden cross can be purchased which can remain until a decision is made regarding a permanent memorial. If you would like to purchase a temporary wooden cross from the cemetery office, you can download the application form(pdf, 22KB) from here.

National Association of Memorial Masons

Members of the National Association of Memorial Masons are bound by strict codes of Ethics and Practice, which are the standards of work we expect. If a dispute should arise, then they are also bound by the findings of a free and objective Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

All memorials must be fixed in the cemetery to the standard set by the NAMM Code of Ethics and Practice. this includes all foundations and fixings. A copy of the code is available for inspection at the cemetery office. If a memorial mason by his actions causes any disruption to a funeral, or does not work in an appropriate manner, they will be reported to NAMM and we may stop them from working in our cemeteries.

For more information please contact NAMM

27A Albert Street,
Rugby,
Warwicks,
CV21 2SG.
Telephone 01788 542264,
Fax: 01788 542276,
Website: www.namm.org.uk