What is a Funeral?

A funeral marks the close of a human life on earth. It is the opportunity for friends and family to express their grief, to give thanks for the life which has now completed its journey in this world and to commend the person into God’s keeping. The funeral service of the Church of England can be very short and quiet with only a few members of the family present or an occasion of great solemnity with music, hymns and a packed church. Whether in a parish church or a crematorium chapel, it can be the plain funeral service from the book of Common Worship or with the addition of hymns, favourite prayers and readings, an address. It can very appropriately be set into the context of a Communion Service.

What sort of Funeral services are possible?

These range from a full funeral service at the parish church followed by either a burial in the graveyard or committal at the crematorium, or a short service in the crematorium chapel prior to cremation. Where there is a funeral service in church this can also be combined with a communion service.

What does a Funeral cost?

Fees for the Funeral service are set nationally (and revised on 1st January each year) and as such should be the same in every church. Each church does however have its own set of extra charges, or charges for specific items.

For details of current Fees click here to go to our Church Fees page.

How do I book a funeral?

Normally you do not have to worry about making the arrangements as the undertaker will do this for you, or help you with it. If however you want to to make the arrangements direct with the church you can start the process by completing the form below.

More information is available from the Church of England Funerals website.

If you have any other questions that need answering please telephone 01305 784649, or complete the form below to start the process to make a funeral booking.

Please use the scroll bar on the right to move down the form