Frequently asked questions
Can I pre-purchase grave space?
No, a grave plot cannot be pre-purchased.
Where can I buy a new grave?
New graves are available at Greenford Park and Hortus cemeteries. Acton, Havelock and South Ealing cemeteries are closed cemeteries.This means that only the existing family graves there can be reopened for further burials.
Where can I buy a cremation plot?
You can buy a cremation plot in Greenford Park and Hortus cemeteries.
Are there any Muslim burial areas?
Yes, in Greenford Park and Hortus cemeteries, for the
exclusive/sole use of Ealing residents.
Why have I only been sold the grave for a set period of
time, I want it forever?
The law states that graves cannot be sold for more than 100
years. Ealing sells the lease for 30 years. At the end of that
period you (or your family) will be able to renew the lease at the
price applicable at that time. It is important to let us know of
any change of address so that you will receive the notice of
renewal at the appropriate time.
Can anyone else be buried in the grave I own if I don't
want them to/ without my permission?
No, graves can only be opened with the permission in writing
of the registered owner. The only exception is when the registered
owner is buried in the grave when no written authority is
required.
Why are graves dug so deep?
Graves are dug to allow sufficient depth for future burials
and to accommodate the legal requirements of undisturbed earth that
must be between each coffin and after the last interment.
Is the grave filled in straight after a funeral or left
until the next day?
The grave is filled and made tidy immediately the mourners
have left the graveside.
Why do some people stay until the grave is filled before
leaving?
Some cultures require that the grave is filled while the
family watch and in others the relatives may wish to undertake the
backfill themselves. Please advise us of your needs so that we may
carry out your wishes safely.
Can anyone witness the grave being filled?
Yes, but please let us know beforehand.
Who is responsible for a memorial?
Only the grave owner can authorise the placement of a
memorial and he/she is responsible for its safety and upkeep.
Memorials should be erected in accordance with the National
Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) recommended code of practice.
If the memorial becomes unstable cemetery staff will make the area
around it safe temporarily, and the grave owner will be notified to
arrange its repair. It is possible to obtain insurance cover and
this is recommended.
Why is a memorial permit needed?
A permit ensures that it is the registered grave owner's
written consent authorising the memorial placement. The size and
fixings of the memorial can be checked to ensure they conform to
cemetery and health and safety regulations. A memorial lease to
erect and maintain the memorial on the grave for a period of ten
years (renewable) will be issued to the grave owner at the same
time as the memorial permit is sent to the mason.
When are the cemeteries open?
365 days a year from 8am (9am Sunday) until 4.30pm (winter)
7.30pm (summer).
Do you arrange cremations?
No, we don't have a crematorium. Ealing residents usually use
either Breakspear (tel 01895 632843) or Mortlake (tel (020) 8876
8056)
What is a green burial?
Green burials are environmentally-friendly burials.
Burial sites are usually in a meadow or woodland and the coffin is
made from biodegradable materials. Memorials and headstones are
generally not permitted, but often memorial trees can be planted to
mark the grave.
Can I have a green burial?
Not in Ealing yet, but some neighbouring boroughs do offer
green burials. For more advice on a green burial contact the
Natural Death Centre.
Can you trace my ancestors?
As a small working office we can help people look for their
ancestors but we are unable to accommodate researchers. To do this
effectively we need a name and a year to start with. If the
searches become wide, we must charge a fee to cover staff time,
currently this is £121.02 (including VAT).
Our burial records go back to the opening year of the cemeteries:
Acton Cemetery – 1895
Greenford Park Cemetery – 1901
Havelock Cemetery - 1883
Hortus Cemetery – 1944
South Ealing Cemetery – 1861