What to do with cremated remains

The choice of a final resting place for the cremated remains of a loved relative is an important decision.

No-one should hurry into making a decision because very often it is impossible to alter arrangements if you change your mind later.

If you are unsure, you can ask that the cremated remains are held until are certain you have made the right choice. We will look after the ashes of your relative for up to 3 months while you decide what to do (a small charge will be made after the first month).

Laying to rest at Warren Hill

If you would like the cremated remains to be laid to rest at Warren Hill Crematorium, our team can explain the options in more detail and discuss the various types of memorial that are available.

You can contact our Bereavement team but it's best to visit our offices so we can show you around and see examples of the memorials we offer.

Scattering ashes on the crematorium lawns

We will keep a record of which lawn the ashes have been laid to rest - but the precise location is not recorded. If you want to know the exact spot where the ashes have been scattered, then you can attend to witness this. There is a charge for this service.

If you wish to purchase a memorial plaque after the ashes have been scattered, we can't guarantee that the plaque will be located near to where the ashes have been laid to rest.

Interment in a cremated remains grave

Most cemeteries and some churchyards have established a section specifically for the interment of ashes. Your funeral director, local clergy, council or parish council will be able to advise on options available in your area.

Our Bereavement team can advise on the options available within the Kettering area including:

  • Burton Latimer
  • Broughton,
  • Desborough
  • Rothwell
  • London Road and Rothwell Road, Kettering

where a grave will accept the cremated remains of up to four related people. A memorial can be erected on the grave, once permission is given and it complies with our regulations.

Interment in a family grave

It is usually possible to inter ashes in an existing family grave in a cemetery or churchyard, even if the grave is full and unable to accept any further burials.  

Some cemetery authorities will allow ashes to be scattered over an existing family grave, although this is not something that is permitted by us.

Your funeral director will be able to advise on local regulations, and also on the appropriate people to contact.

Private scattering

Many people have a favourite place that has special memories or holds great significance to their life. It may be possible for you to scatter ashes there, but please discuss this with us or your funeral director to make sure that you do not run into any legal or other obstacles.

Burial at sea

From time to time people ask for the ashes to be scattered or buried at sea. Arrangements can be costly and involved. Please seek advice from your funeral director or us.

Forwarding ashes to another crematorium

All crematoria will accept the ashes of a person cremated at another crematorium. If, for example, a relative has in the past been cremated elsewhere, ashes can be forwarded to that crematorium and laid to rest with those from a previous cremation. There may be a charge for this.

Retained by the family

The ashes can be retained by the relatives of the deceased for however long or for whatever reason they wish. Your funeral director will be able to supply a suitable container and will arrange for the ashes to be collected from the crematorium.

Collection of ashes

Ashes are generally collected from the crematorium by your chosen funeral director. However, family members may wish to do this themselves.  

Please be aware that we can only release ashes to the applicant for the cremation, as documentation needs to be signed. Please contact our team to arrange a suitable day and time for this to happen.

Last updated 13 April 2023