Inspection of Tombstones and Memorials
Dover District Council are required to inspect memorials at least every 5 years (under the Local Authorities’ Cemeteries Order 1977).
Safety inspections are carried out by our contract staff who have received training in how to check the safety of memorials. Training has been provided by qualified instructors. The inspectors make a visual assessment followed by a hand test in accordance with current recommended procedures from the Ministry of Justice.
This year’s inspection will take place between January and March 2022 in the following locations:
Churchyards
St Mary the Virgin, Dover
St Peter and St Paul’s, Temple Ewell
St Andrew's, Buckland
St Peter and St Paul, Charlton, Dover
St Peter's, Whitfield
St Margarets of Antioch, St Margarets At Cliffe
St Peter and St Paul, River
Old St Mary’s, Walmer
St Leonard's, Deal
St Leonard's Garden of Rest, Deal
St George's Garden of Rest, Deal
St Peter and St Paul, Eythorne
St Mary’s, Wingham
St Mary’s, Nonington
All Saints, Waldershare
All Saints, Stourmouth
All Saints, Chillenden
St Andrew's, Shepherdswell
St Peter and St Paul, Worth
St Clements, Sandwich
St Mary’s, Sandwich
St Peter’s, Sandwich
Cemeteries
St Mary’s Cemetery, Dover
Charlton Cemetery, Dover
St James’ Cemetery, Dover
Hamilton Road Cemetery, Deal
Aylesham Cemetery
Boatman’s Hill Cemetery, Sandwich
For further information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions
For any additional queries, please contact Rebecca Doel at GMenquiries@dover.gov.uk or Joanne Hadfield at Burials@dover.gov.uk
If a headstone is found to be unstable
If a headstone is found to be unstable or dangerous it may be laid down for safety reasons.
If you are the owner of a memorial you have a duty to ensure it is safe. All work must be carried out by a qualified Memorial Mason. Please contact us on 01304 872458 to advise of any action being taken to rectify the fault.
For your own safety and that of other members of the public DO NOT attempt to repair or remove memorials yourself. Only NAMM approved memorial masons are permitted to carry out work to tombstones and memorials ensuring that safety standards are complied with at all times.
Contact
Tel: 01304 872458
Email burials@dover.gov.uk