Return to Homepage
Go Back a Page Back spacer Return to Home Page Home
spacer
You are Here: Living / Births, deaths, marriages / Deaths / Exhuming a Deceased Body
Exhuming a Deceased Body

Exhumations occur for a number of reasons, including:

  • Movement from the original grave to a subsequently acquired family plot in the same or other cemetery;
  • Repatriation overseas to be buried along with other family;
  • Change from burial to cremation as mode of disposal;
  • Transfer from one cemetery scheduled for development to another; or
  • Coroners orders requiring forensic examination.
    •

    Requirements

    It is an offence to disturb any buried human remains without first obtaining the necessary lawful permissions. The law prohibiting disturbance applies to both full coffin burials and burials of cremated remains. Funeral directors or the local cemetery office can help in obtaining the necessary paperwork.

  • A licence must be obtained from the Department for Constitutional Affairs. Exhumation licences must be applied for on the official Home Office form, and are free of charge. Exhumation licences contain certain conditions that have to be observed.
  • If the person is buried in Consecrated grounds, permission from the church must also be obtained. Your local Diosecsan office will be able to provide details of how to apply for the necessary Faculty, and the relevant costs.
  • The permission of the owner of the grave must be gained, or, if the grave is unpurchased, the permission of the owners of the cemetery.
  • An Environmental Health Officer is normally present at the exhumation of a body to ensure that there is no threat to public health.
  • If the body is to be repatriated abroad cadaver certificates are required in addition to the exhumation licence
    •

    Decency and Safety

    An Environmental Health Officer will normally be present at the exhumation and supervises the event to ensure that respect for the deceased person is maintained and that public health is protected. Cemetery staff will ensure that:

  • The correct grave is opened,
  • The exhumation commences as early as possible in the morning to ensure maximum privacy,
  • The plot is screened as appropriate for privacy,
  • Health and safety of all workers is maintained e.g. protective clothing including masks and gloves, task lights and all other necessary equipment,
  • Everyone present shows due respect to the deceased person and to adjoining graves,
  • The nameplate on the casket corresponds to that on the licence,
  • The new casket has been approved by the Environmental Health Officer,
  • All human remains and all the pieces of casket are placed in the new casket,
  • The new casket is properly sealed,
  • The area of exhumation is properly disinfected, and
  • Satisfactory arrangements are in place for the onward transmission of the remains.
    •

    If the conditions of the licence cannot be met, or there are public health or decency concerns, the exhumation may not proceed.

    Contact Us

    For any enquiries please contact:

    Bournemouth Bereavement Services,
    Strouden Avenue,
    Bournemouth, BH8 9HX

    Tel: (01202) 526238, or
    Email:     crematorium@bournemouth.gov.uk



    Contact details
    Bournemouth Council
    Envelope IconTown Hall,
    Bourne Avenue
    Bournemouth
    BH2 6DY
    ( Map )
    Telephone IconTel: 01202 451451
    Fax: 01202 451000
    Minicom: 01202 454728
    Email usEmail: Enquiries
    TopGo to the top of this page
    This page is maintained by Cemeteries & Crematorium Email    Page Updated: 13 May 2008