Chapels

Teddington Chapel

There are three chapels in the Borough, located at the following cemeteries:

The chapels are interdenominational, meaning people of all beliefs may use the chapel facilities. Religious symbols in the chapels are removable.

Attending a chapel service

When you arrive

When 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.

The service

The kind of service you hold is up to you. You may choose to 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. Or you could have a civil ceremony (see the Institute of Civil Funerals website for more information).

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 accommodatd with prior notice.

You are free to decorate the chapel with fresh flowers, balloons or candles. Please let us know what you would like us to do to help you, or speak to your Funeral Director for advice.

Music / hymns

If you would like to sing hymns, you will need an organist. 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).

There are music facilities available at each chapel, including an electric keyboard and CD / tape players in case a special piece of music is required. Live music such as bagpipes is permitted inside the chapel and at the graveside.

Disabled access

Each chapel has wheelchair/pushchair access, and there are wheelchairs available to borrow for use inside. An induction loop system has also been fitted in each chapel.

Arrange a viewing

If you would like to view any of the chapels, please contact the cemetery office for an appointment .

Grove Gardens Chapel, Richmond

Grove Gardens Chapel, located in Richmond Cemetery, is no longer used for burial services, but can be hired out for a variety of other events.

The Grade II listed building was built in 1873, designed by Sir William Blomfield. When burial services were stopped being held at the chapel, it sadly fell into disrepair.

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.

If you are interested in hiring the Grove Gardens Chapel, please contact the Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames on 020 8891 5455.