Churchyard Regulations – the practicalities of enforcement

A review of the issues associated with the implementation of Churchyard Regulations

Whilst the legislative issues associated with Churchyard Regulations are relatively straightforward, their application is often problematic on account of the sensitive nature of the situations to which they are applicable: the design and inscription on headstones; and the placing of unauthorized items on or around a grave; the ownership of headstones is also important where the re-use of existing graves is being considered. This post focuses on the application of Churchyard Regulation in relation to the removal of unauthorized items, which was addressed in Re St Mary the Virgin Burghfield and included detailed review of the law in this area. Continue reading