Article: Exhumation of a grave Article Body The council's Bereavement Service can offer help and advice to people considering exhumation. Exhumation, in this context, means the removal from the ground of a body or cremated human remains. It is illegal to disturb human remains without the appropriate authority being obtained. Eligibility This service is available to anyone who wishes to exhume a body or human cremated remains from the ground. Procedure The process can be complex and a number of factors need to be considered to ensure the correct procedures are followed in each case. It may involve obtaining either a Home Office Licence, a Bishop's Faculty, or both. (see Related Links) There are also constraints on who has the right to request an exhumation. Queries or requests should be directed to Bereavement Services or your funeral director, so the circumstances of each case can be considered and the specific relevant advice given. Helplines For further help and information, please contact us. You may choose any of the following methods: By letter to: Bereavement Services, Barnsley Crematorium, Doncaster Road, Ardsley, Barnsley. S71 5EH Email Bereavementservices@barnsley.gov.uk Telephone (01226) 206053 Fax: (01226) 285449 Charges/fees The Home Office does not charge for the exhumation licence. The diocesan registry do charge for considering an application for a faculty. This is none returnable. The charge depends on the diocese involved and they will be able to advise you of current charges. Charges will be made by Barnsley Council for the exhumation of a body or cremated remains and the re-interring of either. As this is a specialist procedure please contact Bereavement Services for current charges. Methods of payment available Cheques (made payable to Barnsley MBC) credit or debit cards,or cash by post or by calling in the office. Funeral directors can billed. Opening times/locations Exhumation forms are available from the Crematorium Office, Doncaster Road, Ardsley, Barnsley. This is open: Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm, and Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. How the customer can help You can help by providing information on where the body or remains are buried and the plot number. If you do not have this information, then the name of deceased and the date of death will suffice. Application form references Application for a Faculty Application for a Dept of Constitutional Affairs Licence Leaflets The Home Office provide advice and guiance on burials and exhumations: burials and exhumations (Home Office external link) Distribution Points Application forms can be obtained from the Crematorium, Doncaster Road, Ardsley, Barnsley. Alternatively, please follow the associated link above for the Home Office. Legislation Local Authorities Cemeteries Order 1977. Response times/next steps When the application has been completed it must be sent direct to the Diocesan Registry in whose area the grave is located. Bereavement Services or funeral directors can advise on this. Bereavement Services can be accessed by clicking on the link at the bottom of this webpage. The faculty will take approximately three months if one is granted. Owner officer contact details Bereavement Services Manager Telephone: (01226) 206053 Additional notes A faculty will only be granted if a good enough reason is given to remove the body. A fee will be charged which is not refundable if a faculty is not granted. Frequently Asked Questions Who do I contact if the deceased is buried in consecrated ground? The relavent diocese must be contacted to obtain a Bishop's Faculty. However, you may want to contact either Bereavement Services or your funeral director first for initial advice. Who do I contact if the deceased is buried in unconsecrated ground? In the first instance you must contact Bereavement Services who will contact the Department of Constitutional Affairs on your behalf. What happens if I want to exhume a body from consecrated to unconsecreted ground.? Both a Bishops Faculty and Department of Constitutional Affairs Licence are required. What happens if I want to exhume a body from unconsecrated to consecrated ground? A licence from the Department of Constitutional Affairs only is needed. Related links: Department for Constitutional Affairs Sheffield Diocese Wakefield Diocese Bereavement Services Home Office Licence Bishops Faculty