Burials
Grave 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: Cremation graves can only be purchased following cremation and for use within 12 months, unless you are over 80 years of age or terminally ill.
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 grave, 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 burial authority, the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust.
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 our Registrar on 020 8347 2471 or email registrar@highgatecemetery.org
Rules
The Highgate Cemetery Act 2022 confers powers upon the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust to operate, maintain and conserve Highgate Cemetery and to extinguish rights of burial and disturb human remains in Highgate Cemetery for the purpose of increasing the space for interments and the conservation of Highgate Cemetery; and for connected purposes.
In addition, there are rules to govern aspects of Cemetery operations, including the safety and conduct of visitors and the procedures relating to burials and memorials.
Please make yourself familiar with all of the regulations and ask a member of our staff if there is anything that you do not understand. Our regulations seek to provide a balance between individual rights and the need to regulate for a safe, tidy and dignified environment with respect for both our historic character and the needs of other grave owners. For example, the prohibition of glass, plastics and artificial flowers is based on these items being potential hazards as well as for aesthetic considerations.
Please download a copy of our rules here.
