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