Cemetery

Old Town Cemetery is managed and maintained by the Council of the Isles of Scilly. It provides a peaceful and respectful place for remembrance, reflection and burial. The Cemetery is operated in accordance with our regulations. 

 

Opening Hours

The Cemetery is open daily, including Sundays, from 08:00 am until sunset. 

 

Burial Eligibility

Burials are restricted to people with a qualifying connection to the Isles of Scilly. This include those who:

• Were permanent residents of the islands at the time of death.
• Where born on the islands. 
• Have a close relative buried in Old Town Cemetery or Old Town Churchyard (spouse, parent, sibling or child)

 

Burial Rights and Grave Spaces

The Council managed the allocation of grave spaces and grants burial rights upon application. Exclusive rights of burial are normally granted for up to 50 years, with the option to extend them in certain circumstances.

No burial, interment of cremated remains or scattering of ashes may take place without the necessary Council permissions. 

 

Arranging a Burial

The Council should receive at least five working days' notice of burial or interment. Applications are normally submitted through a funeral director or undertaker. 

Funeral Times

• Monday to Friday: 09:30 am to 03:30 pm
• Saturday: 09:30 am to 10:30 am

Funerals are not normally permitted on Sundays, Bank Holidays, Good Friday or Christmas Day. 

 

Memorials

Council approval is required before:

• Installing a headstone or memorial.
• Adding an inscription to an existing memorial.
• Carrying out stonework associated with a memorial.

Memorial must be maintained in a safe condition by the owner or their representative. The Council reserves the right to take action where memorials become unsafe or fail to comply with Cemetery regulations.

Please note: 

• Kerbs and railings around graves are not permitted.
• Glass shades and similar ornamental items are not permitted. 

 

Old Town Wall of Remembrance

The Wall of Remembrance provides a dedicated place to commemorate loved ones through the installation of a memorial plaque. Plaques may include the name of the person being remembered with a personal message.

Only those with qualifying connection to the Isles of Scilly are eligible for a plaque. This is the same as the requirements detailed above. 

Applicants must complete the application form, and submit to the Council for approval. Once approved, applicants are responsible for arranging and supplying the plaque. Allocations on the Wall of Remembrance are granted for a period of 10 years, after which they must be renewed or removed. 

Plaque Requirements

Memorial plaques must:

• Be made from slate.
• Measure 20cm wide by 15cm high.
• Include pre-drilled fixing holes.
• Have all lettering engraved into the slate.
• Not contain wording that may be considered offensive or inappropriate. 

The Council reserves the right to refuse any plaque that does not meet these requirements and may remove plaques that have significantly deteriorated or are no longer in a suitable condition

Please note that flowers, pots, vases and other tributes must not be placed at the base of the Wall of Remembrance. Any items left in this area may be removed as part of routine maintenance.

 

Grave Care and Visiting the Cemetery

To help maintain the Cemetery, visitors are welcome to place fresh flowers and wreaths directly upon gravestones. However, the following are not permitted:

• Planting trees or shrubs. 
• Installing unauthorised permanent features. 
• Placing glass bottles or ornaments. 
• Obstructing access to neighbouring graves. 

The Council carries out routine maintenance including mowing, strimming and upkeep of grave plots. 

 

Visitor Guidance

Old Town Cemetery is a place of remembrance and reflection. Visitors are asked to:

• Treat the Cemetery and other visitors with respect. 
• Keep to designated paths where possible. 
• Dispose of Litter responsibly using the bins provided. 
• Ensure children under 14 are supervised by an adult. 

Vehicles are not permitted unless authorised. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere within the Cemetery. 

 

Dogs

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. Owners are responsible for clearing up after their dogs and disposing of waste appropriately. 

 

Fees and Charges

Interment Fees

Charge	Fee
Under 18	£0.00
Over 18 - Weekday	£630.00
Over 18 - Saturday	£945.00
Cremated Remains	£120.00

Exclusive Burial Rights

Charge	Fee
Grave	£165.90
Cremated Remains	£84.00

Additional Fees and Charges

Charge	Fee
Certificate of Burial	£4.20
Searching the Registers	£14.00
Installation of Plaque at Wall of Remembrance (10 years)	£200.00
Admin Fee for Additional Inscription to Grave Stone	£14.00