Cemeteries

The principal cemetery in Swanage is at Godlingston, to the north of the town itself. It was opened in 1932 and extended in 1966. It lies in a beautifully peaceful setting close to Nine Barrow Down Hill and is a haven for wildlife, with deer and green woodpeckers being regular visitors.

 

At present both grave spaces and plots for the interment of ashes are available. Memorial plaques at the base of the trees that line the cemetery roads and paths are also permitted. Cemetery fees can be found here and application forms for an interment or memorial can be downloaded here.

The Town Council also owns the closed cemetery beside the railway line at Northbrook which was opened in 1856. Its many monuments are frequently visited by those searching for the final resting place of their ancestors. Although now rarely used for interments, it is also managed to support wildlife. Between May and September each year the grass is allowed to grow to encourage an impressive array of butterflies and wild flowers. A list of the species can be downloaded here.

The cemetery records for both Godlingston and Northbrook Cemeteries are kept at the Town Hall and the staff are happy to undertake a short search to locate a relative’s grave. Please e-mail admin@swanage.gov.uk or call 01929 423636. More extensive research can be organised through Swanage Museum www.swanagemuseum.co.uk.

 

The Town Council also owns the former Congregational Burial Ground off Queens Road and is responsible for the maintenance of the Church of England burial ground on Church Hill.

 

The Town Council is a member of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management, which provides advice and training to cemetery operators nationally. Further information can be found on their website www.iccm-uk.com.