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Exhumation of Graves and Cremation Plots
What is an Exhumation?
An exhumation is the process of removing human remains from the ground. This may involve:
a buried body
buried cremated remains (ashes)
Exhumations are usually carried out when remains need to be moved to another grave, cemetery, or crematorium, or when a buried body is to be cremated.
In some circumstances, a Coroner or the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) may require an exhumation as part of an official investigation.
Applying for an Exhumation
It is unlawful to exhume human remains without the necessary legal permission.
Applications can only be made by the registered owner of the grave. If the grave owner has died, ownership of the grave must be transferred before an application can be considered.
An exhumation licence is issued by the MOJ. To apply:
complete the exhumation application form
submit the form to Bereavement Services for authorisation
once authorised, the application will be forwarded to the MOJ
the MOJ will carry out the necessary checks and, if approved, issue an exhumation licence.
For further information and to access the application form, visit:
Fees
A fee is payable for all exhumations. Payment must be received before the exhumation can take place.
Discovery of Human Remains
If you are carrying out excavation work and discover human remains:
stop work immediately
contact the police straight away
do not disturb the site until further instructions have been provided.
Contact Us
If you would like advice about an exhumation application or the transfer of grave ownership, please contact Bereavement Services for guidance.
Bereavement Services
Barnsley Crematorium
Doncaster Road
Ardsley
Barnsley
S71 5EH
Telephone: 01226 206053