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The West Norwood Crematorium stands in the grounds of West Norwood Cemetery. It was built in 1915, but was destroyed during the Second World War. A new crematorium was built on the same site in 1956. We took over the management of the cemetery and crematorium in 1965.

The chapels

The crematorium houses two chapels. The larger chapel seats 100 people and the smaller one seats 50 people. There is a peaceful atmosphere in both chapels and the subtle lighting throughout gives an air of tranquillity and communion.

Book of Remembrance

The Book of Remembrance is a simple and lasting record. The Book is traditionally bound and contains a page for each day of the year. The pages are turned daily, so that you can come and see your loved one's entry on that date each year.
The Book is displayed in an oak panelled hall. The hall is lined with bronze memorial tablets, which can be purchased and inscribed.

Please speak to our staff for details on how you can obtain copies of entries
in the Book of Remembrance.

Garden of Remembrance

The Garden of Remembrance is laid out with a number of pre-planted rose beds and seats, and is specifically for the scattering of cremated remains upon the lawned areas. Each of the roses in the garden are available together with a plaque for the commemoration of a loved one, and this can be arranged through our staff at an additional cost.

Services provided by West Norwood Crematorium

Religious and non-religious services
● All Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, allow cremation. Cremation is also acceptable to Sikhs, Hindus, Parsees and Buddhists but is forbidden by Orthodox Jews and Moslems.
● A full religious service can be conducted at the crematorium. You may also wish to hold a service in a separate place of worship followed by a brief committal ceremony at the crematorium.
● You may wish to hold a non-religious service that follows your cultural traditions. Secular services can be conducted at the crematorium. No ceremony need take place.

Music

Recorded music is provided free of charge. The larger chapel houses a chamber organ and our staff will be happy to discuss your musical requirements.

Memorials

The Book of Remembrance is the most popular form of memorial. West Norwood Crematorium can also provide the following:
● The purchase and planting of rose bushes for the Garden of Remembrance (the fee for this service includes a memorial plaque and maintenance)
● An inscription on one of the bronze tablets in the oak panelled hall
● The purchase and placement of an urn in the Columbarium.

Our staff will be pleased to provide you with more details.

Cremated remains

Cremated remains may be:
● scattered in the Garden of Remembrance or, with our permission, in another location in the grounds
● buried in a churchyard or cemetery
● taken away to be dispersed in a place chosen by you.
West Norwood Crematorium will provide a suitable container to those people who wish to take remains with them.

Opening times

An open day is held at the crematorium every year - please contact us for more information.

Crematorium and Garden of Remembrance

November - March
Monday to Friday ......................................................................8am – 4pm
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays......................................10am – 4pm
Christmas Day....................................................................10am – 2.30pm

April - October
Monday to Friday ......................................................................8am – 6pm
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays......................................10am – 6pm

Our offices
All year round
Monday to Thursday ......................................................8.45am – 4.45pm
Friday ........................................................................................8am – 4pm
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays ..............................................Closed

If you wish to visit the chapels, please arrange a time with our staff.