Cemeteries and Crematoria Service

Grave Plots

There are two types of grave plot found in most cemeteries. These are:

Full Grave Plot

This allows for the entire space to be set aside for a full stone memorial or a combination of stone memorial and flower plantings or simply grassed over. Maintenance of the entire grave space is the responsibility of the grave owner.

New full grave plots are only available in Hill View Cemetery.

Lawned Grave Plot

A lawned grave plot is where only the head area of the grave may be used for a memorial and/or planting flowers. This area is the responsibility of the grave owner and the remainder of the grave is grassed over and remains the responsibility of the Council.

New Section Sidcup Cemetery

Grave plots are available in the new section of Sidcup Cemetery. They are only allowed to have a small kerbset not exceeding 3' x 3'.

The Funeral Directors are conversant with the various Cemetery Regulations and you should make sure that you are fully advised of any limitations on memorials bought for the grave plot at the time of purchasing a grave.

Memorials

Memorials on Gardens of Remembrance

At Bexleyheath Cemetery, Erith Cemetery and Sidcup Cemetery arrangements can be made to have a bronze plaque or vase, maximum size 8" x 8", placed on the garden of remembrance subject to any local Cemetery Regulations.

Memorial Permits

For any work that is carried out to erect a new memorial, alter, clean or renovate an existing memorial on a grave, a permit issued through the Cemeteries Office is required. This permit is usually obtained on your behalf through the monumental mason. There is a fee and this is usually included in the cost of the work but it is best to check this with the mason. The reason for obtaining a permit is to protect the grave owner as the grave owner must sign the permit before any works can be carried out. This prevents any unauthorised works being undertaken against the wishes of the grave owner.

For further information, please contact the Cemeteries Section by email at parks&openspaces@bexley.gov.uk or by telephone on 020 8294 6534.