Churchyards

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has responsibility for the maintenance of their churchyard and any enquiries regarding a churchyard should be made to the parish.

Churchyards are a part of our national history. They are consecrated ground, set aside for burials; and they are places for quiet contemplation, prayer and remembrance. They matter to many people, especially those whose loved ones’ remains rest there. But they are also important to parishioners, historians, archaeologists, ecologists, visitors and many others. A churchyard is a shared place, shared by mourners and non-mourners, all of whom have an interest in its appearance. In every case a balance must be struck in respect of the particular wishes of a grieving family, the interests of other families whose relatives are buried there, the interests of worshippers at the church and the interests of all other visitors to the churchyard. That is why churchyards need rules about the types of memorials that can be permitted.

Right to be Buried in a Churchyard

Not anyone can be buried in a churchyard. Anyone who lives or dies within the parish boundary or whose name is on the electoral roll of the parish church has a right to be buried in the churchyard if there is still space. Otherwise, the consent of the minister of the church and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) will be needed, and they will usually be looking for a significant connection between the person and the parish before giving their consent.It is for the minister to decide whereabouts in the churchyard any given burial shall take place.

The Churchyard Regulations

The Churchyard Regulations govern what is allowed within the churchyard including:

the types of memorials that can be installed;
the materials and inscriptions that can used; and
the types of graveyard gifts that can be left.

These regulations are drawn up by the Chancellor of the Diocese.

Every diocese has its own Churchyard Regulations, and while many points are the same throughout the country, there may be differences from diocese to diocese. The vicar is allowed to authorise memorials, provided they comply with the Churchyard Regulations.

Durham Diocese has a set of diocesan regulations which churches are legally obliged to follow.

Types of memorials

Many people are not aware that there are guidelines in place for headstones, to help to ensure that the churchyard remains an appropriate setting for many years to come. It can be quite upsetting for people to choose a certain headstone only to find it cannot be approved.

There is no automatic right to a churchyard memorial. All memorials have to be approved before they are installed.

If someone wishes to have a memorial that does not comply with the Regulations, they will need to apply to the Chancellor of the Diocese for permission (a faculty), for which there is a fee. The Diocesan Registry is able to send out an application form for this (also available below) and give details of the current fees.

The following links give access to guidance and forms relating to burials and the installation of memorials in a churchyard:

Communicating the Regulations

Communicating with people clearly and sensitively about the Churchyard Regulations is really important, as choosing the final resting place for a loved one can often be a sensitive, and sometimes difficult pastoral issue.

If you would like more advice on this aspect of the management of your churchyard, please contact the DAC Secretary.

Other Work Within Churchyards

Work in churchyards falls under faculty jurisdiction including repair works to boundary walls and lychgates, the creation of new paths, the introduction of benches, repairs to memorials, and tree work.

If you are in any doubt whether a faculty will be needed, please contact the DAC Secretary who will be able to advise you further.