Burial

Exclusive right of burial

The Exclusive Right of Burial is granted for a period of seventy-five years from the date when a grave is purchased. After this time the burial rights event back to the Council. The grant of an exclusive right of burial does not confer any proprietary rights upon the grantee in respect of the land. During that seventy-five year period, only the owner of the Exclusive Right is able to authorise interments within that space and apply for a memorial to be placed upon the grave.

Unpurchased graves

It is possible to arrange for a burial to take place in an unpurchased grave. The burial rights for these graves are retained by the authority and it may be that future unrelated burials will take place within the grave. Memorials are not permitted on unpurchased grave spaces.

Grave types

Traditional grave

This section enables a wide range of approved memorialisation, including kerbing, small statues and full grave planting. These are available in both Taunton Deane and Wellington Cemeteries.

Lawn headstone

Probably the most popular section, providing for upright headstones and/or vases. Upright headstones and vases within the specifications set out by the Council can be placed on these graves. The planting of small shrubs, roses or bulbs is permitted at the head of the grave only. The Council will maintain the main lawned area. Lawn headstone graves are available in Taunton Deane and Wellington Cemeteries. (Wellington is not restricted to upright headstones on lawn graves.)

Lawn tablet

Only memorials conforming to the flat desktop design are allowed on this section and no planting is permitted here, again the Council will maintain the main lawned area. This type of grave is available only in Taunton Deane Cemetery.

Cremated remains graves

These small grave spaces have been provided for those who wish to inter cremated remains and have a memorial placed upon the grave. These graves can accommodate a maximum of four different cremated remains. At Taunton Deane Cemetery, the style of memorial permitted is a flat square or hexagonal tablet, which can accommodate short inscriptions and inset flower container.
There is a wide choice of memorials permitted on cremated remains graves at Wellington Cemetery.