Choosing a memorial is a big decision, and the rules can feel confusing. This guide explains the key differences between Church of England churchyards and council-run cemeteries, with clear local examples and practical next steps. It blends guidance with real experience from the Lincolnshire Memorials team in Louth, so you can move forward with confidence.
Churchyards, what the Diocese of Lincoln allows
Churchyards are consecrated ground, so permission sits under the Church of England’s faculty rules. In the Diocese of Lincoln, the Chancellor has delegated authority to the parish priest to approve memorials that fall within the diocesan regulations. Anything outside those rules needs a faculty, which is a formal permission process. There is no automatic right to place a memorial. diocesanregistrylincoln.co.uk (pdf) opens in a new tab
Core Lincoln Diocese rules in brief, used every week by our team:
- Size, headstones must be between 2 ft 6 in and 4 ft high, 1 ft 8 in to 3 ft wide, and 3 in to 6 in thick, with slate allowed a little thinner. Crosses may be up to 5 ft.
- Materials and finish, natural stone only, with no reflecting finish. Honed black or dark grey granite is permitted, mirror polished granite and marble are not. Teak, oak, and iron crosses may be acceptable.
- Design features, kerbs, chippings, open books, hearts, statuary and photographic portraits are not within the priest’s delegated powers. These require a faculty and are often refused.
- Inscriptions, simple and reverent, usually names and dates, lettering incised or in relief. Paint may be used, metallic paints such as gold or silver are not allowed, plastic or inserted lettering is not permitted.
- Timing, a minimum of six months must pass after death before approval is given, this provides reflection time and helps avoid problems with settlement.
Helpful nuance: Part of a municipal cemetery can be consecrated, so churchyard rules may still apply within a council site. Always check whether the grave is in a consecrated section.
Cemeteries, what local councils usually allow
Council cemeteries are managed by the burial authority, not the diocese. Rules vary by site and by section, for example lawn sections usually allow only a headstone and base, traditional sections may allow kerb surrounds. You apply to the council for a memorial permit, and the council sets its own fees and forms. Louth Town Council (pdf) opens in a new tab
Local examples to make it concrete:
- Louth London Road Cemetery, lawn headstones must not exceed 36 inches in height including the base. Ownership rules are clear, only the grave owner can apply. Small photo plaques may be considered, and there are set waiting periods before installation, for example at least six months after a full burial.
- North Lincolnshire cemeteries, kerb sets are permitted in traditional sections, but not in lawn sections. Published fees and regulations make this distinction explicit. North Lincolnshire Council opens in a new tab
Safety and fixing, most councils require memorials to be installed or re-fixed to BS 8415 and an industry code of practice, and they rely on accredited fixers through BRAMM or the Register of Qualified Memorial Fixers.
At a glance, churchyard versus cemetery
- Who decides, churchyard, the parish priest within diocesan rules, faculty for anything outside. Cemetery, the burial authority under its regulations.
- Materials and finish, churchyard, natural stone, no reflective finish, honed only. Cemetery, polished granites and photo plaques are often acceptable, subject to local rules.
- Shapes and features, churchyard, simple headstones, no kerbs or statues under delegated powers. Cemetery, kerb sets often allowed in traditional sections, lawn sections are more restrictive.
- Timing, churchyard approval after six months, cemetery installation timings set by the council, for example Louth publishes clear timeframes.
Real examples from recent projects
- St Mary’s churchyard, the family wanted polished black granite with gold lettering. We guided them to honed Welsh slate with hand cut lettering, a warmer look that sits naturally in the churchyard and complies with the regulations. Result, a timeless memorial that will weather beautifully, and approval granted without delay.
- London Road Cemetery, Louth, a family hoped for a kerb surround on a lawn grave. We checked the section, explained the 36 inch height limit and lawn rules, then created a classic ogee headstone with an integrated vase and subtle carved motif. The council approved the permit and installation followed the published timeframe.
- Traditional section in North Lincolnshire, the family specifically wanted a kerb set to match older graves. We confirmed it was a traditional plot where kerbs are allowed, designed the set to the council’s dimensions, and fitted to BS 8415.
How we fit safely: Lincolnshire Memorials installs to BS 8415 using qualified fixers, we are fully insured, BRAMM registered, and approved on the Register of Qualified Memorial Fixers, which burial authorities use to verify competence and insurance. bramm-uk.org (pdf) opens in a new tab
Practical Questions Families Often Ask
Can We Add A Personal Symbol Or Motif To A Churchyard Headstone?
Yes, modest Christian symbols such as a cross or a simple carved motif are normally allowed. Anything unusual or non-religious may require a faculty, and approval is not guaranteed.
Why Do Churchyards Restrict Polished Stone But Cemeteries Allow It?
Churchyard rules are about preserving a natural, consistent setting around the church, so only natural, non-reflective stone is permitted. Cemeteries are managed by local councils, and many allow polished granite and other finishes.
How Do We Know If Our Grave Is In A Consecrated Section Of A Cemetery?
Consecrated areas are usually marked on cemetery plans, but this is not always clear to families. We check with the council and confirm any extra requirements before a design is agreed.
Can We Add Extra Names Later Without Changing The Whole Stone?
Yes, additional inscriptions are possible on most headstones. The memorial must be re-fixed to modern safety standards when returned to site, which we handle as part of the work.
Who Signs The Memorial Application Form, The Funeral Director Or The Family?
The grave owner must sign, even if a funeral director helped with the burial. If ownership has changed, it may need to be transferred before a memorial can be approved.
Do We Have To Use An Accredited Memorial Mason?
In practice, yes, because both the Church of England and local councils expect installation to BS 8415 by accredited fixers. Choosing a BRAMM or RQMF registered mason gives assurance on quality and safety.
How Much Notice Do Councils Give Before Removing Unauthorised Items From Graves?
Burial authorities usually issue written notices or display signs giving families time to remove items themselves. If items are not removed, the council may clear them to keep lawn sections safe and easy to maintain.
Practical steps to get it right first time
- Confirm the location and section, churchyard or cemetery, lawn or traditional, consecrated or not. We check this for you.
- Choose compliant materials and finish, for churchyards think natural stone with honed finish, for cemeteries we can consider polished granites if the rules allow.
- Agree inscription style early, simple, respectful wording in churchyards, with non metallic paint if paint is used.
- Allow for approvals and settlement, we include realistic timelines in your quotation based on local rules.
- Insist on safe fixing, BS 8415 installation by accredited fixers, and keep your permit paperwork together for future additions.
Why choose Lincolnshire Memorials
We are professional and highly qualified memorial masons serving Lincolnshire and South Humberside, fully insured, BRAMM registered and approved on the Register of Qualified Memorial Fixers. Our workshop designs, crafts and installs new memorials, and we sensitively clean, restore and re fix existing headstones. You will get steady guidance, compliant designs and safe installation.
Ready for some guidance?
If you are unsure whether your grave is in a churchyard or a cemetery section, or what is allowed for your family’s memorial, we will check for you and provide compliant design options with clear timelines and costs. We are here to help with care, compassion and respect.
This article was prepared with reference to the Diocese of Lincoln Churchyard Regulations and local council guidance for accuracy, including Louth Town Council and North Lincolnshire sources.
