Relatives' Distress Over Coastal Degradation Endangering Norfolk Burial Sites
Loved ones whose relatives buried in resting places at risk from coastal erosion state that indecision on how best to address the problem is creating avoidable anguish about the final resting places of their loved ones.
An Impending Threat to Ancient Churchyards
Local authorities have singled out three church graveyards in the communities of Happisburgh, Mundesley, and Trimingham as being in danger of being engulfed by the sea in the coming decades.
A newly published study on the situation sets out a series of possible actions, from doing nothing to disinterring bodies and relocating them in more secure locations. Officials maintain it is for the community to determine how to proceed.
“Right now we’re in a state of uncertainty. It upsets me. My parents wanted this to serve as their final resting place, but it isn’t going to be because of the encroaching sea.”
Estimates indicate at least part of one graveyard could be claimed by the sea in the next 80 years, but some residents worry it will happen much sooner. “I think it’s got less than 20 years, if you consider what’s happened in the last 30 years,” one said.
Troubled by the Past
One resident recalled a childhood visit to the neighbouring settlement of Eccles, which has almost entirely disappeared into the sea, including its place of worship and burial ground.
“You could see people’s bones,” she said. “Some have this romantic idea that the deceased will just get carried away to sea. That is not the case. People will take bones as souvenirs and go plundering graves looking for valuables. It’s completely undignified.”
“I’m worried that the identical fate that happened at Eccles will happen at Happisburgh and there’ll be skeletons on the beach. I’d be appalled by that.”
A Paratrooper's Grave in Jeopardy
Along the shoreline is situated the grave of a former paratrooper who died while working abroad. His parent said she lost sleep after discovering her son’s grave might one day be relocated.
“It does trouble me to consider this won’t be his lasting home,” she said. “For us it’s an significant site to visit.”
She believes, new burials should cease but says it is premature to disturb current plots. “My preference for now is to do nothing and watch carefully, but an early decision must be made when a critical moment has been reached.”
Seeking Solutions and Certainty
The lack of consensus over when and how to tackle the challenge has resulted in bereaved families feeling frustrated and worried.
Several families want more coastal protections to delay the unavoidable loss and to permit burials to continue for now. Others contend the time for moving graves is approaching.
“It is very emotional,” said one relative. “The council’s report was thorough, but now there’s uncertainty about how it is implemented. And all parties is avoiding responsibility over who is responsible.”
A local official said the graveyards were under the care of the local diocese. “Ultimately it is up to them to decide the direction to take. We are here to help support them through that process with residents.”
It was also stated there was ample time to consider all the choices. “This concerns decades before it begins getting lost.”
“Currently, there exists no unified opinion on what should be done yet. It requires good community discussions to find the appropriate answers for each community.”
The possibility of losing the churches and graveyards was labeled one of “profound sadness for the area,” but faith leaders also spoke of a doctrine in resurrection, offering a theological viewpoint on the physical disappearance of hallowed earth.