West Norwood Crematorium

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

Construction on site

To maintain safe conditions for staff, contractors and visitors, there will be some areas which will be restricted for access over the construction period. We continue to ensure 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. This building was destroyed by enemy action in 1944, an event that destroyed and damaged many monuments, but did not result in any casualties.

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.

The chapels are kept closed when services are not held, but visitors may visit the rest of the building during opening times.

Parking is available across the site.

Funeral services

Funeral services for all faiths or none at all may be held here. We're happy to accommodate most special religious customs that may be requested, if given 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 at the time of 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.

Here to help

If you have any questions, you can contact the Bereavement Services team Monday-Friday, 8.00am-4.00pm.

Call us on 020 7926 4221 or send us an email.

Or, you can fill in our contact us form.

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 can also offer 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 according to taste, to remove the coffin from view. However, the coffin may remain on view until all mourners have left the chapel.

Memorial choices

We have trained, sympathetic staff who can help you in your choice of memorial. There are several forms of memorialisation offered at West Norwood Crematorium, including:

  • Book of Remembrance
  • dedication of roses with a suitably inscribed bronze plaque
  • various plaques including bronze, leather and also, stone tablets.

We offer a family cremation plot, which is like a small family grave, and can accommodate four cremation urns. A small headstone is placed over the grave and is suitably inscribed.

All of these memorial options can be dedicated for varying periods and renewed on expiry.

Our staff will be pleased to provide you with more details, or please see our memorials page for more details.

Memorials available here

Visitor access hours

November to March
Weekdays: 8.00am-4.00pm
Weekends and bank holidays: 10.00am-4.00pm
Christmas Day: 10.00am-2.30pm

April to October
Weekdays: 8.00am-6.00pm
Weekends and bank holidays: 10.00am-6.00pm

Cemetery offices
Monday-Friday: 8.00am-4.00pm
(Closed weekends and bank holidays)

How to get here

West Norwood Cemetery and Crematorium
Norwood Road
West Norwood
London
SE27 9JU

Public transport

Buses: 2, 68, 196, 315, 322, 432 and 468

Train: West Norwood