Cremation

Bristol has two crematoria at Canford and at South Bristol.

The fees charged for the various services offered by both can be found further down this page. Find out more detailed information about the crematoria chapels, details of appropriate memorials for cremation and their costs and we have some frequently asked questions.

Cremation procedure

South Bristol and Canford Crematoria are members of the Federation of British Cremation Authorities and are required to operate strictly in accordance with the Code of Cremation Practice (pdf, 42 KB) (opens new window). This code provides the only ethical standards of cremation practice in Great Britain. A copy is available on request.

Cremation fees

Fees that may be demanded under Section 9 of the Cremation Act 1902 by Bristol City Council for the cremation of human remains in the South Bristol and Canford Crematoria as from 1 April 2012.

For the cremation of remains of:

• A still-born child or a person whose age at the time of death did not exceed twelve months: free.
• A person whose age at the time of death exceeded one year but did not exceed sixteen years (ie had not reached 16 birthday): £266.00.
• A person whose age at the time of death exceeded sixteen years: £584.00.

The cremation charge listed above includes a surcharge relating to upgrade of equipment to comply with Government mercury emissions standards. This surcharge is currently £45.00 for adults, there is no surcharge for children.

Include the use of the chapel and the waiting room etc, and all attendance after the coffin has been placed on the catafalque by the funeral directors, the use of the organ and the services of the official organist and i) the strewing of the cremated remains within a designated area of the cemetery grounds or ii) the Certificate for the Burial of Cremated Remains (where required).

Apply only where the Cremation is made between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm on Mondays to Fridays. A fee of £459.00 is charged for a service booked at 9.00am or 9.30am. A fee of £652.00 is charged for any cremation booked at 4.30pm. No cremations are possible after this time.

Sundry fees

• Scattering of the cremated remains of a body in the Garden of Remembrance where cremation has taken place elsewhere: £55.
• Supply of Polytainer: £15.50.
• Supply of Bristol Express Casket: £33.00.

FAQs

How many people use cremation in Britain today?

Cremation has become the preferred method of disposal in Great Britain. Approximately 70% of all recorded deaths are now followed by cremation.

Do any religious groups forbid cremation for their members?

All Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, allow cremation. Cremation is also acceptable to Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists but is forbidden to Orthodox Jews and Muslims.

It is acceptable to the Crematorium to hold a non-religious ceremony if that is your wish.

How do I make arrangements to be cremated?

It is important to make your wishes known to your representative ie your next of kin or your executor. If you do not make your wishes known it may be assumed at the time of making the funeral arrangements that you had no preference towards burial or cremation and therefore your wishes may not be carried out.

At what stage do relatives decide about the disposal of cremated remains?

When arranging the funeral, the Funeral Director will discuss the alternative arrangements that may be adopted for the disposal of cremated remains with relatives. If there is any indecision the cremated remains may be retained, either at the Crematorium or at the Funeral Director's premises, pending decision.

What are the options for disposal of cremated remains?

Although we refer to the "scattering " of cremated remains, unless particularly specified, we would not "surface" scatter, but scatter the remains loosely beneath the surface in designated areas of our grounds.

It is important to be aware that these are communal scattering areas, provided for the reverent disposal of cremated remains, that they are used continually for this purpose and as a result it is not possible or appropriate to mark or identify the exact location of individual remains. Cremated remains plots that will accommodate two caskets of cremated remains, are available for purchase, at both South Bristol and Canford cemeteries.

Cremated remains can be removed from the Crematorium in a suitable container for disposal elsewhere. This may include interment in a grave in a cemetery or churchyard, dispersal at another crematorium or disposal privately in a particular area selected by the family. Suitable permission should be obtained from the appropriate Authority in these cases and a Certificate of Cremation shall be provided when the remains are discharged from our crematorium.

Should items of jewellery be left on a body for cremation?

It is preferable that all items of jewellery be removed from the body before the coffin is taken to the crematorium. The Funeral Director should ascertain your wishes in respect of this matter when the funeral arrangements are being discussed. It will not be possible to recover any items of jewellery after the coffin has been received at the crematorium.

How soon after the service will a cremation take place?

The cremation will usually be commenced shortly after the service. The Code of Cremation Practice (pdf, 42 KB) (opens new window) specifies that the cremation is always completed on the same day as the service.

Can more than one body be cremated in a cremator at the same time?

The Code of Cremation Practice (pdf, 42 KB) (opens new window) insists that each cremation is carried out separately. Exceptions may be made, for instance, in the case of a mother and baby or twin children, providing that the next of kin or Executor has made a specific request in this regard.

What procedures are followed to ensure that cremated remains are kept separate?

A cremator can physically accept only one coffin at a time and all remains are removed before the unit can be used again. The identity card accompanies the coffin and cremated remains throughout the process until final disposal.

What happens to the cremated remains after cremation?

At the end of the cremation process the remains are removed in their entirety and conveyed to a treatment area in a special container. Ferrous metals used in the construction of the coffin and any metal used in medical implants are extracted and retained for separate disposal. Non-ferrous metals that may include an unrecognisable element of precious material will not be salvaged for any purpose and will be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Cremation Practice (pdf, 42 KB) (opens new window) and invariably will be buried in the grounds of the crematorium. The cremated remains will be disposed of in compliance with the instructions of the Applicant.

Can a cremation be arranged without the services of a funeral director?

Yes. The Executor or nearest surviving relative may arrange the cremation service themselves.