Questions about cremation

The aperture through which the coffin passes in the cremator and the cremation chamber are of dimensions that will only safely accept one coffin.

Exceptions

Exceptions can be made in the case of a mother and baby or small twin children, so long as the next of kin or executor has made this specific request.

There have been a small number of instances where elderly couples have died within a day or two of each other both being cremated in the same coffin. This is not unlawful provided that the applicant for cremation has made this request. The only thing that would prevent this happening is if the coffin were too large to pass through the aperture into the cremator. Most crematoriums will allow public inspection of the 'behind the scenes' procedures in an attempt to enlighten the public on all aspects of the cremation process.

Many crematoriums will carry out shared cremations of fetuses in instances where parents do not want to make private arrangements. These are arranged via hospitals. Parents may gain some comfort from knowing that their baby was laid to rest with others. The practice of shared cremation is supported by Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.