Exhumations
Exhumation is the removal of
human remains (including any cremated remains) from their place of
interment. The need to exhume is not a common
occurrence and is only allowed in exceptional cases. However, when
exhumation is required it must be done with the
greatest dignity and respect and with all of the necessary legal
authorisation and documentation in place.
Reason for exhumation
Exhumations occur for a number of reasons, some may include:
- The movement from the original grave to a subsequently acquired
family plot
- Repatriation overseas to be buried along with other family
- On the coroner's order for further forensic examination.
Whatever the reasons, it is a traumatic event
for all those involved and should only be considered after
carefully thinking through the whole process and getting as much
information from all the relevant authorities before starting this
process.
You may also need to discuss the matter with
all relatives before you wish to proceed. Arrangements can be
costly and take a long time to finalise.
Legal Documentation and permissions
It is an offence to disturb human remains
without first obtaining the correct lawful permissions.
There are generally two types of licences that
are required for exhumation, a Home Office Licence
and/or permission from the Bishops Faculty. Which
licence to use depends on the location of the grave, i.e. whether
it is located in consecrated or non-consecrated ground and where
the remains are going to be re-interred afterwards. Under certain
circumstances both licences will be required before an
exhumation can take place.
A Home Office Licence
If the exhumation is on unconsecrated ground
and the subsequent reburial is in unconsecrated ground then only a
Home Office Licence is needed.
Contact the Home Office if you require
further information.
Write to:
The Home Office
Coroners Section - Exhumation Applications
5th Floor, Allington Towers
19 Allington Street
London SW1E 5EB
A Bishops Faculty
Most burial grounds/cemeteries are segregated
between Consecrated and
Unconsecrated areas.
If the remains are to be removed from a grave
in a consecrated section of a cemetery and are to be re-buried into
another consecrated section then only a Bishops Faculty is
required.
Consecration is the term that is given to
either all areas of a cemetery or smaller sections that have been
'dedicated to the service of God according to the right of the
Church of England'.
Enquiries should be made in each individual
case to the relevant Diocese. Contacts details can be
obtained from The Church of
England website.
Next Steps
Once all legal documentation has been obtained
and the necessary permissions have been granted a date and time is
usually set for the exhumation. The exhumation licence
will contain certain conditions that have to be observed.
An environmental health officer must be
present at the exhumation of a body to ensure that respect for the
deceased person is maintained and that public health is
protected. The Officer will also 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.