Burials (including ashes burials)
All burials (including the burial of ashes) must be done with the agreement of the Vicar, so that records can be kept for the future, and so that we can make sure that the law is followed. Please do not scatter ashes, as this is illegal in churchyards.
Who can be buried in our churchyard?
The rules regarding who is allowed to be buried in our churchyard are set by the Chancellor of the Diocese of Chelmsford, Philippa Hopkins KC, who is the senior legal officer for the Bishop. The rules are part of a legal framework, and so are part of English law, and they apply to every churchyard in the Diocese of Chelmsford. The full list of rules can be found in "The Churchyard Handbook"
In summary, someone has a legal right to be buried here if:
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they lived in the Church Parish of Galleywood at the time of their death (please note that the Church and Civic Parishes are different),
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they died in the Church Parish of Galleywood, or
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their name was on the electoral roll of St Michael’s Church at the time of their death.
Permission may also be granted by the Vicar for someone who had lived in the Parish, or who used to be on the electoral roll, but had moved away for some reason (e.g. due to age or ill health). Also, permission may be granted for burial in an existing family grave (as opposed to a new plot) for someone who does not meet the above criteria. Each application will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
How does it work?
If a loved one has died, and you would like them to be buried in our churchyard, please ask the Funeral Director in the first instance. The Funeral Director will contact the Church to make the arrangements.
For ashes burials, you can either contact a Funeral Director and ask them to make the arrangements, or approach the Church directly.
A statutory fee is payable for a burial of a body or ashes. Statutory fees are fees that the Church needs to charge in law, and are set every year by the Church of England. Gravedigging fees are also payable. Please ask the Funeral Director or the Church for details.
Can I choose a new plot?
It might be possible to choose a particular new plot for your loved one who has died, depending on the space available. Please ask the Vicar for information.
Can I reserve a particular plot for the future?
If the above eligibility criteria are met, it is possible to reserve a particular plot for you and/or your loved ones for the future, depending on the space available. Special legal permission (called a “Faculty”) is needed to reserve a plot. Statutory fees are payable, and it is requested that you make a donation to the Church to assist with the care of the churchyard. Please see our leaflet called "Planning Ahead"