Burials
Quick links:
2015’05 All Saints Biddenden Burial Regulations Form
Diocesan churchyard regulations
Smarden Parish Council burials page
For information on funeral services, please see the Funerals page.
Quick links to our historical burials registers (More information under the Churches tab):
Smarden Registers
Biddenden Registers
Smarden Churchyard map and gravel locator
Biddenden Churchyard map and grave locator
BIDDENDEN
Biddenden churchyard is open for both burial of coffins and ashes. Because space for the burial of coffins is limited, only individuals who have lived in Biddenden may be buried in the church yard. For burial of ashes no residence rules apply.
Families seeking permission for a burial need to be aware that we are bound by strict regulations regarding the appearance and type of monuments that are used. In particular memorials with kerbs and chippings are not permitted. Neither should there be the planting of any shrub or tree over a grave. A full copy of the regulations is available to download, go to Canterbury Diocese regulations. Families must sign and return a declaration that they will abide by Diocesan church yard regulations before a burial can take place. Download the declaration form here: 2015’05 All Saints Biddenden burial application Form
The regulations seek to provide a careful balance between the special nature of the churchyard, of its importance in the community as a whole, and the aspirations of families and friends of those whose earthly remains are to be interred there.
SMARDEN
Smarden churchyard is closed for the burial of coffins, but remains open for the burial of ashes. Families should be aware that we are bound by strict regulations regarding the appearance and type of tablet that can be used and also take into account that they are not permitted to plant shrubs or any other memorial around the tablet. Families must sign a declaration that they will abide by Diocesan Churchyard regulations before a burial ashes can take place. Download the declaration form here: Application for burial of Ashes in Smarden Churchyard
For burial of coffins at the nearby cemetery in Smarden, please contact the parish clerk at Smarden Parish Council.
UPKEEP OF BIDDENDEN AND SMARDEN CHURCHYARDS
The upkeep of both churchyards is a substantial voluntary effort. We have a team of helpers, but if you are spare a couple hours a month mowing a section of the churchyard or one of the other jobs, we would be pleased to hear from you. In Biddenden please contact Tony Burtenshaw at a.burtenshaw1@gmail.com, in Smarden please contact Brian Bristow 01233 770564.