Chapels
There are chapels in East Sheen (seats 70, with 20 standing), Teddington (seats 50, with 10 standing) and Twickenham (seats 50, with 20 standing) cemeteries. The chapels are interdenominational which means people of all beliefs may use the chapel facilities. Religious symbols are removable.
If you are attending a service in one of the chapels, you can drive into the cemetery and park in the area around the chapel. There will be a member of staff on site to help you to park out of the way of the hearse and limousines. You can also drive through the cemetery after the service to reach the graveside. The hearse will lead the way through and the following cars can then pull up and park behind the hearse and limousines. Priority is given to cars where people are attending funerals.
You may have a religious representative take the service, though this is not compulsory. Friends or family members may wish to take the service, or an officiant from, for example, the National Association of Humanists. You could have a civil ceremony, and their external website will provide further information.
There are music facilities available - an electric keyboard and CD / Tape players in case a special piece of music may be required. All the Chapels have wheelchair/ pushchair access, and there is a wheelchair available for use within the Chapels. Each chapel has also been fitted with an induction loop system.
If you would like to sing hymns, you will require an organist. Live music such as bagpipes is permitted in the chapel and at the graveside. You may wish to decorate the chapel with fresh flowers, balloons or candles. Please just let us know what you would like us to do to help you, and speak to your Funeral Director for advice.
Please discuss your individual requirements with your funeral director or the cemetery office staff. Each chapel has hymn books (Hymns Ancient and Modern) and the funeral service book for people who wish to use them.
You can download our list of Hymns here
(pdf, 95KB).
You may wish to have a personal funeral service sheet. It is advisable to discuss the order of service with the minister / officiant when doing this. Funeral services usually last around 30 minutes, however if you would like a longer service this can be accommodated with prior notice.
If you would like to view the chapels, please contact the cemetery office for an appointment .
Richmond Cemetery is also the site of the Grove Gardens Community Chapel. This Chapel was originally used for burial services prior to burial in the Richmond Cemetery. When it was no longer used for burial services, it unfortunately fell into disrepair. This Grade II listed building was built in 1873 to a design by Sir William Blomfield.
Under an initiative of the Environment Trust for Richmond-upon-Thames, it has recently been beautifully restored and renovated, financed by grants from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund, supplemented by local donations. It constitutes a major addition to the Borough's architectural heritage.
The Grove Gardens Chapel is now available for hire for a variety of community uses and social events, with capacity for a seated audience of up to 60, or 120 standing. The many original features are enhanced with modern amenities, including a small fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable seating, a PA system with optional recording and full facilities for the disabled. There is also external floodlighting for evening use.
Contact information
To hire the Chapel and for information on rates and availability, please contact:
Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames,
55 Heath Road,
Twickenham,
TW1 4AW.
Telephone 020 8891 5455.