Those that say YES, if…
English Heritage: ” It is possible to scatter the ashes of friends and loved ones at our properties. If you can contact the property in question in advance and speak to the manager to arrange this. It will be an out of hours visit, or if this is not possible then during usual visiting hours. ”
“There may be an extra charge for example there is an extra staffing cost involved, however this would very much depend on each individual site and the managers for those sites would be able to advise further. You would not need to be a member of English Heritage to arrange this.
“This would apply to all sites, including Stonehenge, it is not possible to scatter ashes within the Stone Circle itself, however it is possible in other areas of the site. Similar restrictions may apply at other sites with regard to where on the site it is ok to scatter, however this will also depend on each individual area and can be arranged with each individual manager.”
English Heritage own and run over 400 wonderful properties, places like: Stonehenge, Avebury rings, Dover Castle, Old Sarum, Hadrian’s wall Triangular Lodge, Down House – the home of Charles Darwin, Bosworth Battlefield and Rievaulx Abbey. We are seeking clarification in case some of these are ‘off- limits’. For a list of contact numbers go to their website. - www.english-heritage.org.uk
Cadw – Welsh Heritage sites Cadw looks after 130 historic welsh sites have a policy and a procedure – as follows:
Written requests (by letter or email – please see details below) to be made to Cadw, with basic information including which site the family/friends wish to carry out the scattering, and on what date (if they have one in mind).
You need to write to Cadw who the check dates of events etc. at the location, they then clear the request with the Environmental Health Officer of the relevant local authority. If everything is ok, there are two final conditions:
1) There must be no disturbance of the ground; and
2) the scattering to be carried out discreetly to ensure privacy for the family/friends, and also out of courtesy for our other visitors.
Historic Scotland can confirm that scattering of ashes is permitted at most Historic Scotland sites, however requests to scatter ashes at prehistoric burial sites are unlikely to be granted, and no permanent marker will be allowed at any site. We do try to ensure the scattering of ashes is carried out at a time when the monument is quiet, to avoid distress to the mourners or visitors. Anyone interested in scattering ashes at Historic Scotland sites should contact the factoring team at Historic Scotland on 0131 668 8678 who will be able to help with the request.
For National Trust Properties see the parent page on permission in general.
Those that say NO, sorry
Royal Parks: We would prefer that you don’t. These remains contain high levels of minerals and other elements which, over time, can sterilise the soil and leach into watercourses, disrupting the delicate natural balance.
The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent’s Park with Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James’s Park. - www.royalparks.org.uk
Jane Austen’s House: While we understand many admirers of Jane Austen would love to have ashes laid here, it is something we do not allow. www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk
Shakespeare House Museum: unfortunately the trust that runs the properties in Stratford upon Avon has informed us that ‘[They] do not allow the scattering of ashes at any of the Shakespeare properties.’
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