Frequently asked questions

I own the grave - can anyone else be buried in it if I don't want them to?

No.  Graves cannot be opened without the permission in writing of the registered owner.  The only exception to this is where the burial is to be that of the registered owner in which no written authority is required.  The law protects your rights as a registered owner of the grave.

For more information see our pages on Exclusive Rights of Burial

I am told the grave is full but now I want to another burial?

There are legal requirements such as how much earth must be left on top of the last coffin which dictates the depths of graves.  In some instances we can provide a grave sleeve which will enable a grave to be prepared at a shallower depth within the constraints of the law.

What if the Holder of the Exclusive Right of Burial is Deceased?

If the registered holder is deceased, the Exclusive Right of Burial Grant must be transferred before any burial (other than that of the registered holder) or memorial application can be approved.

For more information see our page on Transfer of Exclusive Rights of Burial

When can Funerals take place?

Funerals can take place weekdays at 11am and 2pm, depending on availability. Services for cremated remains can be held at 11am 12.30pm or 2pm.

For our current availability please visit Booking a funeral

What types of graves are available?

Welwyn Hatfield Lawn Cemetery offers Lawn Style graves for the facilitation of coffin burials.

There are a variety of burial options available for cremated remains available at both Hatfield Hyde and The Lawn Cemetery. Our Cemetery Brochure provides full details of what is available 

What are the options for Islamic Faith Burials?

A section of the Lawn Cemetery was designed with the local Muslim community to provide burial spaces which complied with the Islamic teachings. These graves are aligned perpendicular to the Qibla (Mecca).  

Would I be able to have a funeral service in the Welwyn Hatfield Lawn Cemetery?

Yes. You can hire the chapel for services. It seats up to 60 Mourners, is non-denominational so it is suitable for non-religious ceremonies.  

Why are graves dug so deep? (it is distressing to see the coffin go down so deep)

Graves have to be dug to a sufficient depth to allow for future burials to take place should a family require more than one burial in a grave.  Therefore the grave needs to be deep enough to allow not only for the depth of coffins/caskets that will be buried but also to accommodate legal requirements of undisturbed earth to be between each coffin and the amount of earth that must cover the last interment.

Are graves filled in straight after a funeral or are they left to the next day?

Following a funeral, once mourners have departed we immediately commence the backfilling of the grave and make the area tidy.  This work is completed on the day of the burial and coffins are not left uncovered overnight.

I understand that some people wait while the grave is filled in.  Why is this?

Some cultures require that the grave is filled in while the family watch or they may wish to undertake the backfilling of the grave themselves.  When families want this it is essential that we are made aware of their requirements when the burial is first arranged.  This will ensure that the families' wishes are met and that their safety is protected during the backfilling process.

How will the grave be maintained?

We will remove and dispose of floral tributes placed on a grave as soon as they have withered.

We will also regularly place topsoil on the grave until it has settled.  The plot will then be renovated, seeded and mown on a regular basis.  There is no extra charge for maintenance.

Do you provide a headstone cleaning service?

No.  However we can provide a list of National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) approved memorial Masons who offer such a service.

I have a Lawn Grave.  Why can't I put anything on the grassed area?

Welwyn Hatfield Lawn Cemetery was designed to only have an upright headstone place on predetermined concrete plinths at the head of the grave.  These graves were sold on the understanding that memorials will only be erected on the concrete plinth provided.  Any Item which protrudes from the concrete plinth may be removed by the council without providing any notice. Full details of what can and cannot be placed on a grave is detailed in our Full rules and regulations or in the Lawn Cemetery rules and regs

Who is responsible for the memorial?

The deed holders is responsible for the maintenance and safety of the memorial. Stability testing is conducted every 5 years.

Please see our page on Memorial stability testing for more information

Your memorial mason also has a responsibility to provide a memorial of merchantable quality and to erect it in a safe manner.  You should insist that the memorial is erected in accordance with British Standard 8415 and the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM)  Recommended code of practice and seek a guarantee of conformity from your memorial mason. 

What is a memorial permit and why is it needed?

Prior to a memorial being erected on a grave space, the written authority of the owner of the grave must be given on a Memorial Permits, authorising the proposed erection of the memorial.  Memorials need to conform to cemetery Full rules and regulations with regard to size and fixings, and the memorial also needs to be checked for stability under health and safety regulations.   You may ask your memorial mason for a workmanship guarantee or in fact details of insurance. 

Do you provide a headstone insurance service?

No.  Please check directly with your stonemason or contact one of the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM)