Memorials and dedications

All memorials (headstones and tablets) need permission before they can be placed in our cemeteries. We record details about the type of memorial you are planning, any inscriptions and the method of fixing. Recording these details can be helpful for tracing family history in the future. It also means that work cannot be done to the memorial without your permission.

We want to ensure a safe environment in our cemeteries. With this in mind, these guidelines must be followed:

Any memorial masons working in our cemeteries must be registered with either British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) or the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) and they must fix memorials to the standards set by these organisations.
No glass is allowed as this could easily break and cause injury.
No plastic or metal fencing is allowed as these can either break easily or rust and corrode which could cause injury.

We ensure that both our cemeteries are managed and operated according to the regulations set out in the:

Local Government Act 1972 and Local Authorities Cemeteries Order 1977

Who can authorise work to a memorial?

If you are the registered grave owner you must sign a memorial permit application form to authorise work on a memorial.

If the owner is deceased, and work such as renovation is to be carried out, then the next of kin can authorise this work without the grave ownership being transferred. If there is no memorial on the grave or the existing memorial is to be altered in some way, then a new owner must be registered. Further information can be found in the section transfer of grave ownership.

Memorial Application

To apply for a new memorial permit or to have work carried out on an existing memorial please complete a memorial application form and return to us with proof of grave ownership.

Memorial permit charges

There is a fee to apply for a memorial permit, whether applying for a new stone or a further inscription. Please see our fees and charges, reviewed annually on 1 April.

Dedication benches

Benches dedicated to a loved one are available to purchase at both Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill cemeteries. To discuss availability please email cemetery.services@westsuffolk.gov.uk or telephone 01284 757068.

A dedication bench application will be required when a location has been agreed.

Benches are also available at Brandon Country Park, East Town Park in Haverhill as well as Nowton Park and Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds. For more information please contact the Parks team on 01284 757088 or email parks@westsuffolk.gov.uk.

Dedication trees

A limited number of trees are available in Haverhill and Bury St Edmunds Cemetery. Please email Cemetery Services, cemetery.services@westsuffolk.gov.uk or call us on 01284 757068.

Haverhill dedication wall

A dedication wall was installed in 2019 with the capacity to contain 192 plaques when full. It offers a focal point of remembrance for anyone who has lost a loved one. They do not need to be resting in Haverhill Cemetery.

Please email cemetery.services@westsuffolk.gov.uk for more information.

Alternatively the dedication wall application form can be printed and sent to us at the address on the form.

Please note that we place orders twice a year for all of the above dedications, generally Spring and Autumn. If you would like to be put on the waiting list for a dedication please contact us on 01284 757068 or email cemetery.services@westsuffolk.gov.uk. Being on the waiting list does not guarantee you will get the location of your choice but we will contact you when next ordering and do our best to accommodate your request.

Alternative dedication locations

For information regarding dedication options in other parks and open spaces that are owned by West Suffolk Council, including Abbey Gardens, please email parks@westsuffolk.gov.uk or contact the Parks Department on 01284 757088.

War memorials

We have four dedicated war memorials sites which we maintain:

Bury St Edmunds Cemetery
Haverhill Cemetery
Boer War Memorial, Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds
War Memorial, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds

For more general information about war memorials, visit: