West Norwood Crematorium

West Norwood Crematorium opened in 1915 and offers a fitting location to say goodbye to a loved one.

How to get here

Visiting times

Construction on site

The Heritage Lottery Fund project is underway to restore and transform the cematorium.

To maintain safe conditions for staff, contractors and visitors, some areas of the cemetery will be restricted for access over the construction period.

We are committed to ensuring funeral services within the cemetery will continue in an efficient manner. There will be continued vehicle access to the crematorium. 

History

The South Metropolitan Cemetery Company built a crematorium on the site of what is now West Norwood Cemetery in 1915.

In September 1956, a new crematorium was opened on the site currently occupied. This new building offered two chapels, the Hall of Memory, an oak columbarium and a Recordia - all of which still exist today for memorialisation or quiet reflection.

The Book of Remembrance resides in the Hall of Memory wherein a lasting record may be made and kept in perpetuity of those who have passed away.

Funeral services

We accommodate all faiths and non-religious services at the chapel.

We are happy to provide support for most religious customs if they are requested with sufficient notice.

There is no duty minister at the crematorium, but you will be able to arrange one through your funeral director.

Chapel services are 30 minutes long within a 45-minute time slot. Extra time can be arranged when you make the booking. You can choose to hold the main ceremony at a separate place of worship, followed by a short committal service at our chapel.

After the service, you’ll be guided outside to see your floral tributes which will be left on view for a week, unless you have made arrangements to donate them elsewhere.

Cremated remains

Cremated remains may be scattered in our Garden of Remembrance or the crematorium chapel lawn with our permission. An appointment will be required if you wish to witness the scattering.

Cremated remains can also be scattered on a private grave with the grave owner’s permission. If you wish to be present at the scattering, please contact us to arrange a suitable time. Cremated remains will be provided in a suitable container if you wish to take them away with you.

Garden of Remembrance

Our Garden of Remembrance is laid out within the peaceful grounds of the cemetery and is specifically designed for the scattering of cremated remains on our lawn sections.

The garden incorporates several memorial schemes, and the layout provides a pleasing and welcoming environment in which to remember your loved ones.

The chapel

Our main chapel is available for burial, cremation and memorial services and seats 100 people. The traditional style of the chapel creates a serene atmosphere and the subtle lighting throughout gives an air of tranquillity and communion.

We are happy to offer Obitus online music system to assist your choices in funeral music. We can also offer CD and MP3 facilities to play personal pieces.

We have a variety of streaming services to share the live funeral recording for those who cannot attend. Keepsakes including recordings and DVD/USB sticks are also available.

Full-length curtains can be drawn at the end of each service to remove the coffin from view. Alternatively, the coffin may remain on view until all mourners have left the chapel.

Memorials available here