Buying a Grave

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

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The following information will help you make your choice.

How do I buy a grave?
Normally, your funeral director will help to make the necessary arrangements for buying a grave. Some people may want to make their own arrangements at the time of the funeral. You can organise this by directly contacting us. 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 buy a grave for?
In the cemeteries we manage, we offer several types of grave. The exclusive right of burial is sold for 50 years. These are known as 'purchased graves'.

Who can buy a grave?
Almost anyone can buy a grave, however if you are not a resident of South Bucks a surcharge must be paid, unless you are purchasing a grave for single interment of a local resident.

When can burials take place?
Burials can take place on any weekday, except on bank holidays and between Christmas Eve and upto and including the New Year Bank Holiday. Please talk to your funeral director or contact us to discuss any specific needs.

What types of graves are available?

Traditional grave spaces
These allow the owner of the grave to put a full headstone and or kerbset on the grave after burial.
Headstone monoliths must be buried to 1/3 of their total height.
Other memorials must be built on a concrete base or 'landing'.

Lawn-type graves
We will maintain these special areas, at no expense to the grave owner.
After the burial, the grave may take upto a year to fully settle excess soil will be removed or soil added to make level and grassed over. The flat tablets can be made of any natural stone but granite is more resistant to scratches and easier to keep clean.

So that we can maintain these areas, floral tributes vases etc. must be kept off the grass.
Wedge shaped memorials are allowed in certain areas of Holtspur and Shepherds Lane cemeteries.

Can I bury cremated remains in the cemeteries?
Yes, there are memorial gardens for cremated remains at two of our cemeteries and it is possible in certain areas to purchase part of a full grave for Cremated Remains. Cremated remains can also be placed in purchased graves.

Are all the graves on consecrated ground?
Most of our cemeteries have consecrated (blessed as sacred) and unconsecrated 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 cannot be bought and the council has total control of the grave.

These graves can be bought at a later date but until then the council will decide who will be buried in the grave and this might not be members of the same family.
No memorial rights exist on public graves so no headstone or other memorial can be put up.

Purchased grave
A purchased grave is where the right of burial can be bought for a period of 50 years, with an option of purchasing another 10 years after the initial 10 year period has passed.
The owner of the right of burial can decide who will be buried in the grave and memorials are allowed in line with our cemetery regulations.