Ashes, Graves & Headstones

The grave options at our sites, how ashes are looked after, and the rules for memorials and headstones.

A note on our current services

Astwood and St John's cemeteries remain open as normal while Worcester Crematorium is refurbished (due for completion in 2026). Our team is based at the KGV Hub (visits by appointment only).

Choosing a grave

We’ll talk you through the grave options at our sites and explain how ashes are looked after. Graves range from un-purchased graves through lawn, traditional and natural burial graves. If you’d like to secure a future plot, you can discuss the options with our team and reserve a grave.

The lease owner can choose to use a grave for up to two burials where there is space — a decision made at the time of the first burial — and cremated remains can also be buried in a grave following the appropriate legal procedures. Lawn graves are laid to turf, with a 300mm border at the front of the slab for planting; after the first six months we top up the grave with soil and re-turf or seed it.

Types of grave

We offer a range of graves to suit different needs and wishes.

Lawn graves

Laid to turf, with a memorial at the head — up to 1m high, 100mm thick and 650mm wide on new sections — and a 300mm border for planting.

Traditional graves

A full memorial fixed on a concrete landing, no taller than others in the section. Limited to older sections, so please ask the office.

Natural burial graves

At Astwood only, in an area rich in wildflowers and wildlife. One interment, no mounding, with a steppingstone marker (a fee applies).

Muslim graves

A dedicated section at Astwood with concrete liners, where mounding is permitted. All preparation is carried out before arrival at the cemetery.

Brick graves

Double-depth only, with designs approved by the manager. We need at least 10 working days’ notice and a method statement and risk assessment from your contractor.

Babies' graves

Several headstone options are permitted (up to 1m high, 100mm deep, 650mm wide), with small kerb sets allowed (up to 105mm high, 80mm wide).

Un-purchased graves

For those who do not purchase the Exclusive Right of Burial. No plaque is permitted, and the family has five years to buy the rights before the grave may be reused.

Cremated remains

Cremated remains are placed in a ‘socket’ grave in the Gardens of Remembrance, rather than being interred in the gardens themselves or in the memorial beds.

Ashes can also be interred under the turf of an existing lawn or traditional grave. This can only take place after the last full burial and towards the head of the grave — never underneath the memorial — and always following the appropriate legal procedures.

Memorials and headstones

New memorials, renovations and added inscriptions are carefully controlled, so that work is properly authorised and every memorial is safe.

Permission and permits

Work is only carried out with the authority of the registered lease owner. Applications are made on the Memorial Permit Application Form, with the mason’s name and address, the material and measurements, the inscription and a diagram, together with the relevant fee. No memorial or surround may be erected over a grave where the Exclusive Right of Burial has not been purchased.

Approved stonemasons

Only stonemasons on the Council’s approved list may work in Worcester’s cemeteries. All work must comply with council regulations for erecting and maintaining memorials, and be carried out in line with health and safety requirements.

Your responsibility

Once a memorial is erected, the grave owner (or their executor or representative) is responsible for its future maintenance and safety, and we strongly recommend insuring it against all risks. Any memorial found to be unsafe must be repaired by an approved stonemason or removed without unreasonable delay, and the Council may remove or change a memorial that infringes the regulations after giving reasonable notice.

Looking after our cemeteries

A few things that help us keep our cemeteries safe, attractive and peaceful for everyone.

The Council does not accept responsibility for loss or damage to memorials, ornaments or benches, but will accept liability where our own works cause accidental damage.
Hazards such as glass, breakable pottery, sharp objects or trip hazards may be removed, with or without notice, and kept at the office for collection for one month.
Occasionally we may need to remove items that cause disturbance or offence, to keep the cemetery a peaceful place to visit.
As part of routine grounds maintenance, grass along the front and sides of memorials may be strimmed or treated; we keep any cuttings on graves to a minimum.
For operational reasons, items on graves may sometimes be moved for a burial and replaced afterwards, and overgrown plants or trees may be pruned.