Closed churchyards

Closed churchyards are burial grounds that have been formally closed for new burials by law. 

Where a closed churchyard has been transferred to us under the section 215 of the Local Government Act 1972, we are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the churchyard. 

This includes:

• grass cutting
• general grounds maintenance
• boundary walls belonging to the closed cemetery
• fences
• gates and paths
• carrying out safety checks on memorials where necessary

The church building itself remains the responsibility of the church, and the churchyard remains consecrated land. 

As a result, certain works - such as removing or altering memorials or carrying out significant changes - may still require permission from the Church of England through its faculty process.

Closed churchyards in our area

• Hoveringham – St Michael’s Church, Hoveringham NG14 7JH,
• Upton – St Peter & St Pauls Church, Church Lane Upton NG23 5SR,
• Ossington – Holy Rood Church, Ossington NG23 6LH,
• Egmanton – Church of Our Lady of Egmanton, NG22 0HA,
• Edwinstowe – St Mary’s Church Edwinstowe, NG21 9QA,
• Blidworth – Church of St Mary of the Purification, NG21 0QH,
• Southwell – The Minster Cemetery Extension, Bishops Drive Southwell, NG25 0JP, and
• Southwell – Holy Trinity Church, NG25 0LD

If you have a query regarding a closed churchyard contact customer services using the details at the bottom of this page.