Burials & memorials

Burials

Plot purchase

Full burials: Grave space can only be purchased for an imminent funeral. It is not possible to purchase grave space in advance unless you are over 80 years of age or terminally ill.

Cremated remains: It is not possible to purchase much in advance of need, as the first interment must take place within twelve months of purchase. 

Procedure

Relevant legal documentation and certificates must be received prior to any interment. A completed 'application for interment' must be delivered to the Cemetery and fees and charges paid at least five working days prior to the interment.

Burial of ashes

Cremated remains must be buried in a container in a plot, unless they are to be poured by our staff. The scattering of remains is not allowed. 

Funerals

Funerals may take place between 10am and 3pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays.

If a large number of people is expected at the funeral, arrangers are asked to advise us at least three days in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

No demonstrations of any kind are permitted at funerals or anniversaries.

Grave ownership

Opening a grave

Only the person registered as the owner can authorise a burial, unless the burial is to be that of the registered owner.

Transferring grave ownership

The right of burial is transferable and inheritable. Ownership of the right of burial can only be transferred on the authority of the registered owner or executor, with the consent of the Cemetery management.

Extending rights of burial

Rights of burial in grave spaces sold at Highgate Cemetery since the 1970s have a fixed duration which is specified on the deed of grant. Should grave owners wish, it is possible to extend the term up to a maximum of 75 years. Grant extensions are sold in whole years only, and the minimum duration of an extension is ten years. To calculate the maximum allowed extension, subtract the number of unexpired years, rounded up to the next whole number, away from 75. The price of an extension is based on the current selling price of an equivalent grave. The calculation we use is: [Current price of an equivalent grave] divided by 75 multiplied by the [number of years wanted].

Grave owner change of address or contact details

Use our online form to tell us about your address, phone number or email address. You'll need to know your grave number. And, if you're changing address, please upload a document such as a utility bill, bank statement or driving licence with your new details. 

Contact

To discuss matters relating to funerals, burials and grave ownership, please telephone Claire Freston on 020 8347 2471 or email registrar@highgatecemetery.org

Memorials

To commission a unique and individually-crafted memorial is not as expensive as you might think. To understand how memorials can be beautiful, take a tour of the Cemetery and see how the design and inscriptions still move you today. Memorials that are personal, unique and in harmony with their environment are works of art. This can apply to the most modest memorial. For many people, commissioning a memorial may be the only opportunity they have for creating a work of art with the living to commemorate the dead.

We are fortunate to have the services of a highly talented letter cutter, sculptor and stone mason, Neil Luxton, who has worked at Highgate Cemetery for over 12 years, producing more than 250 memorials.  Neil works closely with grave owners to ensure the creation of original and personal memorials.

To arrange an appointment to discuss your memorial, please telephone Claire Freston on 020 8347 2471 or email registrar@highgatecemetery.org.

The memorial design process

Unlike most other activities today, the entire memorial process does not need to be rushed. Highgate Cemetery does not normally install memorials until 12 months after the burial.

The key stages of commissioning and producing a memorial are

• Initial consultation
• Preparation of design and quotation
• Preparation of proof for the inscription, including suggested letter style
• Formal ‘sign off’ of the final design
• An official order and deposit of 50% prior to ordering the stone.
• Delivery of the stone from the quarry (can take up to 16 weeks, depending on the material chosen).
• Carving and lettering the stone
• Installing the memorial using recommended methods
• Final payment on completion

In some areas, only headstones are permitted, with no marble, polished granite or gold lettering. Owners should consult the cemetery before commissioning a memorial to avoid problems later.