Ripley Burial Ground

📘 Exclusive Right of Burial (ERoB)

When you purchase a grave at Ripley Parish Council’s Burial Ground, you are acquiring the Exclusive Right of Burial for a period of 100 years. This is not a freehold purchase, but a lease-type agreement that gives you the legal right to:

• Authorise burials in the grave
• Approve the installation of a memorial

You do not own the land itself. The grave space remains under the ownership and management of Ripley Parish Council.

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📄 Deed of Grant

A Deed of Grant is issued at the time of purchase and names the registered grave owner. This deed is a crucial legal document and should be kept safely.

• The Deed must be presented before each burial.
• Possession of the Deed does not in itself prove ownership of the rights — only the registered name does.
• Lost deeds can now be re-issued, provided there is supporting record evidence. A fee of £50 applies.

📌 IMPORTANT: It is the grave owner’s responsibility to safeguard the Deed of Grant.

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🔄 Transfer or Surrender of Exclusive Rights

Ownership may be transferred or surrendered under certain conditions.

📥 During the Owner’s Lifetime

• Transfer (assignment) to another person: Requires an assignment form and a fee of £50.
• Surrender (if unused): Requires a renunciation form. The refund is equal to the original purchase price as listed on the Deed.

🕊️ After the Owner’s Death

The process depends on whether the deceased left a valid will:

✅ If a valid will exists

• With Grant of Probate:
  • Provide a sealed copy of the grant
  • Complete a transfer form
• Without Probate (small estate):
  • Provide the will
  • Complete a Statutory Declaration
  • The executor then nominates the appropriate person to hold the rights

🔍 Search for a will on GOV.UK

❌ If there is no valid will

• With Grant of Letters of Administration:
  • Provide sealed copy of the Letters
  • Complete a transfer form
• Without Letters of Administration (intestacy):
  • Complete a Statutory Declaration
  • Include:
    • Original Deed of Grant
    • Death certificate
    • Written consent from all next of kin
    • Explanation if the deed has been lost

🔍 Read about intestacy on GOV.UK

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📋 Examples of Transfer and Required Consents

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📞 Need Help?

For advice or to request a Transfer, Assignment, or Renunciation form, please contact the Clerk.

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