Newsletter
Stroud District Council to carry out memorial safety testing in July
Stroud District Council will carry out essential safety testing of memorials in two closed cemeteries this July to help ensure they remain safe for visitors. St Mary Magdalen’s, Rodborough and Chancel Arch Church, Woodchester
Published: 10 June 2026
Specialist contractors will undertake testing at St Mary Magdalen’s, Rodborough and Chancel Arch Church, Woodchester during the week commencing 13 July.
The council understands that memorial safety testing can be a sensitive issue for
grave owners and families. All work will be carried out respectfully and in line with
national guidelines.
Cllr Martin Pearcy, Chair of SDC Environment Committee, said:
“We have a duty to ensure that cemeteries and graveyards we are responsible for
are safe. Memorials are often very heavy and when they become unstable they can
pose a real risk of injury.”
Memorial testing involves two stages: a visual inspection followed by a gentle stability
test. Inspectors are trained in appropriate methods to protect memorials while
treating them with dignity. These checks are a legal responsibility for burial
authorities, following national guidance and past incidents where unstable memorials
have caused serious accidents.
St Mary Magdalen’s is the largest closed cemetery managed by the council. Although
the cemetery is classified as closed, meaning it no longer accepts new burials, the
churchyard remains in regular use for services including weddings and funerals.
Chancle Arch Church, Woodchester is also a site of historical interest, with a Roman
mosaic located beneath the ground that attracts some visitors.
Cllr Pearcy explained:
“Where a memorial is found to be unsafe, a temporary notice will be attached
explaining how relatives can contact the council to arrange repairs. These notices
also act as a visual warning for visitors. Our officers will provide guidance to families
on how to make memorials safe.”
In cases where it has not been possible to contact families, and a memorial is
assessed as posing an immediate risk, it may be carefully laid flat to prevent
accidents. Once a hazard has been identified, the council cannot leave it in place and
must take action to remove the risk.
Responsibility for the maintenance of a memorial usually rests with the owner or the
person who commissioned it. However, many memorials are several decades old
and ownership details are often out of date. In these circumstances, the council as
landowner has a duty to act in the interests of public safety.
Stroud District Council is responsible for around 2,000 memorials across eight
cemeteries, including Brimscombe Cemetery; St Cyr’s, Stonehouse; St Mary’s,
Rodborough; Christchurch, Chalford; St Mary Magdalen’s, Berkeley; Holy Trinity,
Brimscombe; St Michael and All Angels, Bussage; and Woodchester Cemetery.
If a memorial belonging to your family is identified as unsafe, you can contact the
council on 01453 766321 or email ![]()
community.services@stroud.gov.uk.
For media inquiries contact
Background Information:
Between 1979 and 2009, eight people in the UK were killed as a result of falling
memorials, according to Ministry of Justice figures. This highlights the importance of
regular inspections to reduce risk and protect visitors.