Cemeteries
Godlingston Cemetery
The What3Words entrance to Godlingston Cemetery: ///generally.stumps.himself
The principal cemetery in Swanage is at Godlingston, to the north of the town itself. It was opened in 1932 and extended in 1966 and furthermore in 2021. 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. Further information regarding the types of graves available can be found in the Cemetery Regulations and the agreed Scale of Fees and Charges below. Alternatively, should you have any questions relating to Godlingston Cemetery, please contact the Cemeteries Officer at the Town Hall on Tel: 01929 423636, where they will be happy to assist you.
Memorial plaques at the base of the trees that line the cemetery roads and paths are also permitted.
Please click on the following links for:
Meadowland Burial Ground
An area next to the formal cemetery at Godlingston has been set aside for a meadowland burial ground as a 'green' alternative to traditional interment and will see the development of an area rich in native meadow plants and wildlife. The meadowland will be maintained in a way that encourages and protects the trees, wildlife and natural wildflower seeds. The traditional 'neat and tidy' appearance of cemeteries will not apply to this area and the grass will be cut infrequently to encourage wildflowers to flourish.
There is a Garden of Remembrance for those that wish to scatter ashes. This will also be managed as a wildflower area. For those that have scattered ashes here, a Book of Remembrance will be kept at the Town Hall and an entry will be made in the book as a permanent record.
As the meadowland will be kept completely natural, no memorials will be permitted, but each plot will be identified by an electronic marker peg that will record the details of the person interred.
When Someone Dies
When someone dies in England, there are a number of important practical steps that need to be taken, often during a time of great sadness and uncertainty. The link below provides access to the Government’s official guidance, offering clear and up-to-date information on what to do next, including registering a death, arranging a funeral, and managing legal and financial matters.
https://www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies
We understand that losing someone close can be an incredibly difficult and emotional time. To help provide support and guidance when it is needed most, we have put together a directory of useful contacts and services. This includes details of local funeral directors who can assist with funeral arrangements, as well as memorial masons who can help with the design, installation, and maintenance of memorials at Godlingston Cemetery.
All memorials and kerb sets must be installed in accordance with the requirements of BS 8145 and relevant industry codes of practice, including the NAMM Code of Working Practice and the BRAMM Blue Book. All masons carrying out work in Swanage cemeteries must be suitably qualified and registered with either the NAMM Register of Qualified Memorial Fixers (RQMF) or the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM).
There are many qualified and reputable memorial masons throughout Dorset, and you may wish to consider a range of options. The directory below includes details of memorial masons who regularly undertake work at Godlingston Cemetery and are familiar with the Cemetery’s regulations.
We hope this information helps make some of the practical decisions a little easier during this difficult time.
Bereavement can be an extremely challenging and personal experience, and accessing the right support can provide valuable guidance and reassurance. The table below provides contact details for a range of organisations and support groups that offer practical advice, emotional support, and compassionate guidance throughout the bereavement process and beyond.
If you are living with bereavement or finding it difficult to move forwards following the loss of a loved one, a local community bereavement support group which offers a welcoming space to meet others, share experiences and access friendly, professional support.
The group meets on the first Monday of each month, from 11.00am to 12.30pm, at St Mary’s Rooms, adjacent to St Mary’s Church. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided, along with a listening ear and a supportive environment. The group was established by the Douch Family, with support from James Smith Funeral Directors, the Swanage branch of Douch Family Funeral Directors.
Places are limited, so advance booking is recommended. To find out more or reserve your place, please contact James Smith Funeral Directors on Tel: 01929 422445.
Northbrook Cemetery
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 in some areas the grass is allowed to grow to encourage an impressive array of butterflies and wild flowers.
Please find below a copy of the Council's Management Plan for the cemetery, which includes a list of plant species that can be found in the cemetery (Appendix C).
Northbrook Cemetery Management Plan - March 2024
Research Graves
The cemetery records for Godlingston Cemeteries are kept at the Town Hall and the staff are happy to undertake a short search to locate a relative’s grave. Due to the high demand for this type of enquiry, and the limited resources at the Town Hall, it is preferable to make an appointment. Please e-mail admin@swanage.gov.uk or call 01929 423636 to arrange a mutually convenient appointment. Thank you.
The early records for Northbrook Cemetery are now held at Dorset History Centre telephone number 01305 250550. More extensive research can be organised through Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre.
For anyone interested in research please visit this informative website - Dorset Online Parish Clerks-Swanage page and Dorset Online Parish Clerks-Main directory
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.
Memorial Testing
Swanage Town Council has responsibility for public safety at Godlingston Cemetery. This includes responsibility for unsafe memorials, a cause of severe injury in some cemeteries.
Members of the Town Council Operation Team have undergone memorial inspection and condition training with the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management. Trained members of staff carry out regular inspections to check the condition of memorials. These inspections are publicised in advance by placing signage in the cemetery and on social media, and can result in unsafe memorials being either laid flat or staked to prevent damage or injury. Grave owners are notified by way of a notice being placed on the affected grave.
The Town Council team understand the importance and significance of graves and memorials to the bereaved and treat all memorials with the utmost care and respect.