Breadcrumb Trail
Buying a Grave
We appreciate that during this difficult time you will have to make important decisions about the cemetery and grave you want for the funeral.
The following information will help you make your choice:
How do I buy a grave?
Normally, your funeral director will help to make the necessary arrangements for buying a grave. Some people may want to make their own arrangements at the time of the funeral. You can organise this by directly contacting us. We will be happy to advise you.
How long can I buy a grave for?
In the cemeteries we manage, we offer several types of grave. The exclusive right of burial is sold for 50 years. These are known as 'purchased graves'.
When can burials take place?
Burials can take place on any weekday, except on bank holidays. Please talk to your funeral director or contact us to discuss any specific needs.
What types of graves are available?
Lawn-type graves - We will maintain these special areas, at no expense to the grave owner. After the burial, the grave is made level and grassed over. The headstone can have a marble or granite vase plate on which flowers or wreaths can be placed. See information on the individual cemetery for further information.
Cremated remains plots - These are also lawn-type however they are smaller than the standard grave area.
Can I bury cremated remains in the cemeteries?
Yes, there are cremated remains sections at Sale, Stretford and Urmston Cemeteries and vaults at Hale Cemetery. Cremated remains can also be placed in existing purchased graves.
Are all the graves on consecrated ground?
No. The consecrated ground is consecrated by the Church of England and is reserved for their use only, all sections are now multi-denominational with the exception of Urmston where there is a section for Roman Catholics.
What is the difference between unpurchased and purchased graves?
Unpurchased grave - An unpurchased grave, sometimes known as a public or common grave, is where the right to burial cannot be bought and the council has total control of the grave. The council will decide who will be buried in the grave and this might not be members of the same family.
No memorial rights exist on public graves so no headstone or other memorial can be put up by families of those interred in the grave.
Purchased grave - A purchased grave is where the right of burial can be bought for a period of 50 years. The owner of the right of burial can decide who will be buried in the grave and memorials are allowed in line with our cemetery regulations.
How much will it cost?
A detailed list of prices can be found on our fees and charges page.
Who to contact
Bereavement Services
Altrincham Crematorium
Whitehouse Lane
Dunham Massey
Altrincham
WA14 5RH
Email: Altrincham.Crematorium@trafford.gov.uk
Telephone: 0161 928 7771
Fax: 0161 928 6478
This page was last reviewed on 19 October 2009
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