Chilton Town Council

Memorials and Headstones

Guidance on memorials and headstones at Chilton Cemetery, including regulations, ownership requirements, inspection procedures and support information.

Guidelines for memorials

At Chilton Cemetery, we understand the importance of creating a meaningful and lasting tribute to loved ones.

While Chilton Town Council is not a manufacturer or supplier of headstones and memorials, guidelines are in place to ensure consistency, safety and respect within the cemetery grounds.

These rules help preserve the dignity of the cemetery and support the safety of visitors, contractors and maintenance teams.

Regulations and requirements

All headstones and memorials must comply with the approved cemetery regulations. This includes guidance relating to:

Size and dimensions

Memorials must meet the permitted size and dimensional requirements for the cemetery.

Materials

Memorials should be made using approved materials suitable for long-term safety and appearance.

Placement and installation

Headstones and memorials must be positioned and installed in accordance with cemetery rules.

Inscriptions and decorations

Inscriptions, finishes and decorative features must meet the cemetery’s requirements.

These regulations are intended to maintain a peaceful, respectful and well-managed cemetery environment.

Important information for families and memorial suppliers

Families wishing to install a memorial or headstone should consult with their chosen supplier to ensure that all work complies with the cemetery’s regulations.

It is the responsibility of both the family and the supplier to make sure these guidelines are followed.

Please note: you must be the registered owner of the grave to approve a headstone or memorial. Details about ownership and transfers can be found in the Purchasing a Grave section.

We are here to help guide families through this process with care and respect.

Headstone inspections

Local authorities are responsible for the regular inspection of headstones in cemeteries. These inspections are typically carried out every five years.

The next planned full inspection at Chilton Cemetery will take place in 2028.

Inspection procedure

You can read the current inspection procedure here:

Download Headstone Inspection Procedure (PDF)