Burials

Burials at Earlham Cemetery

Earlham Cemetery offers a range of burial options to respect different beliefs, traditions, and family wishes.

You can choose to hold a service in our peaceful chapel, which seats up to 60 people, or have a graveside ceremony.

For full details, visit our Earlham Cemetery page.

ECO burials at Earlham Cemetery

ECO burials offer a natural and environmentally sustainable alternative. These take place in historical, unpurchased plots (typically pre-1950s) and follow strict ecological guidelines.

Key features

• shallower burial depth
• no disturbance of existing remains
• graves remain under council care

Requirements

• coffin must be 100% biodegradable (e.g., wicker, willow, cardboard)
• no embalming or hygienic treatments
• no plastic, metal, screws, or staples
• no synthetic flowers or plastic wrapping
• coffin must be suitable for shallow burial

Note:
If a standard burial depth is required due to coffin size or materials, full interment fees apply.

Only a committal is included—formal services must be arranged separately.

Burials at Rosary Cemetery

Rosary Cemetery is a historic and peaceful resting place, known as England’s first non-denominational cemetery. Families can choose from burial options in both the newer section (RZ) and the older, more traditional Rosary Vale A area.

For full details, visit our Rosary Cemetery page.

Exclusive Right of Burial (EROB)

What is it?

The Exclusive Right of Burial is a legal entitlement to:

• be buried in a specific grave
• authorise additional burials
• approve or commission a memorial

It does not mean ownership of the land itself—just the right to use the grave for a set period (typically 20 to 100 years).

Transferring the right

A transfer is required when:

• the current owner is deceased and someone else needs to arrange a burial
• the owner wishes to assign the right to another person

Important:
No burial or memorial changes can occur without written consent from the registered owner. If the owner is deceased, the right must be legally transferred.

Find out more about the transfer of Exclusive Right of Burial (EROB)

Memorials and inscriptions

Only the registered EROB holder can:

• commission or return a memorial stone
• add or amend inscriptions

All memorial work must be:

• approved by Norwich City Council
• completed by a registered memorial mason
• in line with cemetery regulations

Find out more about memorials and how to apply

Historic burial records

Historic burial records for Norfolk are available through local archives, including the Norfolk Record Office and the Norfolk Heritage Centre. 

Find out what records are available 

What is a public health funeral?

If no one is available to make arrangements, Norwich City Council will:

• register the death
• appoint a funeral director
• provide a coffin
• arrange transport to the cemetery

Burial details

• Burials take place at Earlham Cemetery, Norwich.
• The deceased is laid to rest in a shared occupancy grave (space for one additional burial).
• Funerals are held at 9:15 AM, with a graveside committal.
• Memorials are not permitted unless the Exclusive Right of Burial (EROB) is purchased and funeral costs are fully paid.

Family and friends

Where known, family and friends will be notified of the funeral date and are welcome to attend. Norwich City Council carries out these duties with respect and aims to recover funeral costs from the deceased’s estate to minimise public expense.

Public health burials in Norwich

Under Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, Norwich City Council has a legal duty to arrange funerals for individuals who pass away within the city boundaries and have no known relatives or friends willing or able to take responsibility.

• Public health burials 2025
• Public health burials 2024
• Public health burials 2012-2023

Financial assistance

If you receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for help through the Funeral Expenses Payment scheme. This can assist with funeral costs if you or your partner receive:

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Support for Mortgage Interest loan

 Check eligibility and apply on GOV.UK

Contact bereavement services

Need help with funeral arrangements or cemetery enquiries? Our bereavement team is here to support you.

• Email: Reach us Monday to Friday, 10am – 3pm at bereavementservices@norwich.gov.uk
• Call us on 01603 989650
  Available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10am – 12pm

Outside of these hours, you can leave a message. We aim to return calls within two working days.