Rules and Regulations in respect of the Borough Cemeteries

Headstones on Lawn Graves

1. It is recommended that a grave is left to settle for approximately six months before placing a memorial. However, where there is a pre-existing concrete plinth (or "memorial beam"), a memorial can be safely placed soon after the burial.

2. Only one headstone will be allowed on any one grave space.

3. The following restrictions as to size apply:

• maximum overall height of 90cm (3ft) which includes the depth of the base
• maximum width of 90cm (3ft)
• maximum thickness of 12.5cm (5ins)
• minimum thickness of 7.5cm (3ins)

4. The base shall be securely fixed to the memorial beam where provided, or to a suitable foundation stone measuring:

• a maximum width of 90cm (3ft)
• a maximum depth (front to back) of 37.5cm (15ins)
• a minimum thickness of 5cm (2ins)

5. At the discretion of the Cemeteries and Crematorium Unit Manager, the full width of the grave (122cm (4ft)) may be used to include vase memorial or memorials where additional inscriptions cannot be included on the headstone.

6. All headstones must be fixed so as to comply with the specifications of BS 8415, using the methods prescribed in the current NAMM Code of Working Practice and or the BRAMM Blue Book. In particular, all headstones exceeding 62.5 cm (2ft 0.6ins) in height must be fixed using a suitable ground anchor, unless they are to be placed on a memorial beam.

7. Where a foundation stone is fixed to a memorial beam and the overall memorial height is in breach of the 90cm (3ft) height regulation, the mason will be required to remove the foundation stone at their own cost, and inform the Grantee.

Vases

8. Vases must not exceed:

• 30cm (12ins) in height
• 30cm (12ins) in width
• 15cm (6ins) in depth

9. Vases shall be secured centrally to either a memorial beam (where available) or to a suitable foundation stone provided by the memorial mason.

10. Where a foundation stone is fixed to a memorial beam and the overall memorial height is in breach of the 30cm (12ins) height regulation, the mason will be requested to remove the foundation stone at their own cost, and inform the Grantee.

Desk-Top Tablets and Memorial Flat Plaques

11. Desk-top tablet memorials must not exceed:

• 37.5cm (15ins) in depth (front to back)
• 61cm (24ins) in width
• 10cm (4ins) maximum thickness, tapering to 5cm (2ins)

12. At the discretion of the Cemeteries and Crematorium Unit Manager, a maximum of two desk-top tablet memorials may be placed, side by side, at the head of any one lawn or traditional grave space.

13. Flat plaque memorials must not exceed:

• 30cm (12ins) in depth
• 30cm (12ins) in width
• 5cm (2in) in thickness

14. At the discretion of the Cemeteries and Crematorium Unit Manager, a maximum of four flat plaque memorials may be placed, side by side, at the head of any one lawn or traditional grave space.

Cremated Remains Garden Memorials

15. The following restrictions apply:

• maximum vase height of 25cm (10ins)
• maximum width of 30cm (12ins)
• maximum depth (front to back) of 15cm (6ins)
• base dimensions not to exceed:
  • width of 35cm (14ins)
  • depth (front to back) of 20cm (8ins)
  • thickness of 5cm (2ins)

16. Alternatively, a small headstone, not exceeding the above dimensions, may be placed.

17. Only one memorial vase or headstone will be allowed on any one grave space.

18. The base shall be secured centrally on the memorial beam provided by the Council. The maximum height of the vase and base must not exceed 30cm (12ins).

19. Where a foundation stone is fixed to a memorial beam and the overall memorial height is in breach of the 30cm (12ins) height regulation, the mason will be requested to remove the foundation stone at their own cost, and inform the Grantee.

Babies' Burial Garden Memorials

20. The following restrictions apply:

• maximum height of 15cm (6ins)
• maximum width of 45cm (1ft 6ins)
• maximum thickness (front to back) of 20cm (8ins)
• minimum thickness of 7.5cm (3ins)

21. Alternatively, a memorial of the same dimensions allowed in the Cremated Remains Garden is permitted upon graves within the Babies' Burial Gardens, but must not breach the 30cm (12ins) height regulation.

22. Only one memorial stone is permitted on any one grave space.

23. The memorial shall be secured centrally to the memorial beam where provided, or to a suitable foundation stone supplied by the memorial mason.

24. Where a foundation stone is fixed to a memorial beam and the overall memorial height is in breach of the 15cm (6ins) height restriction, the mason will be requested to remove the foundation stone at their own cost and inform the Grantee.