How long is a niche term?
Niches are available in terms of 1 year up to 99 years.
Can anyone access the barrow?
Niche owners and their families can access the barrow at any time during daylight hours. Members of the public can visit on open days and events.
Can I visit a barrow?
We invite everyone to come and visit our barrows through an open day, event, or private tour. To arrange a private viewing please contact us.
Where are your barrows located?
Our barrows can be found in Cambridgeshire and Shropshire.
Can I choose my niche?
We welcome you to visit the barrow and choose your niche.
How do I commission a personalised niche cover?
We introduce you to trusted artists and letter carvers who work with you to create a personalised niche cover.
How big is a niche?
Our niches range in size from single to large.
- A single niche is 180 cubic inches in capacity and is suitable for one set of ashes.
- A medium niche is approx 300mm x 355mm x 475mm and can house two or more sets of ashes.
- A large niche is approx 600mm x 375mm and can house five or more sets of ashes.
Niche sizes can vary in each barrow, please contact us for more information and advice.
What is a niche cover?
A niche cover closes the niche, which is why it’s also referred to as a facade, door or window.
What is a niche?
A niche is an alcove or resting place, set in the stone walls of a barrow.
What is a barrow?
A barrow is an earthen covered stone structure used to bury a dead person.
What happens at the end of a term?
Your family or solicitor is contacted three months before the end of your niche term, to tell them it is available for renewal, and again at the time of renewal. If there is no agreement or contact after three months, your urn is removed and your ashes are scattered around the barrow.
What are cremated ashes like?
Cremated ashes are usually grey in colour and granular in texture.
Do I have to handle the ashes?
You don’t have to handle the ashes if you don’t want to. The crematorium places the ashes in a biodegradable bag or plastic urn and then we or your funeral director can transfer them to an urn for a small fee.
How do I commission a niche cover?
We can put you in touch with local artists that work with you to design your niche cover.
Do I need to buy an urn?
You don’t need to buy an urn to be placed in a niche, you can choose any vessel you want. We provide felt urns with all single niches and can recommend local artists to help you create your own urn.
I have kept my loved one’s ashes for many years, can I still put them in a barrow?
You can place ashes in the barrows any time after death.
Can I reserve a niche?
You can reserve a niche ahead of need. Please get in touch to arrange a visit.
How do I record my wishes
If you want your ashes to be placed inside a barrow, it’s important you record your wishes. This can be done in a simple letter, which should be kept with your will.
Can I renew a niche term?
Niches can be renewed.
Do you offer a payment plan?
You can set up a Direct Debit mandate over 12 months, or instruct your bank to issue a standing order.
How does the cost of a niche compare to alternative options?
A niche is an affordable alternative to options such as cemeteries and crematoriums. Our pricing is in line with and often less than a crematoria. Our renewal terms are transparent and we place no restrictions or costs on how many sets of ashes are held in a niche or use of the grounds for services.
Are there any additional costs?
The cost of a niche covers the term of the niche, use of the grounds and an unpersonalised stone cover. You must pay a separate fee for any cremation costs and if you choose to personalise your niche cover.
How much does a niche cover cost?
All niches come with an unpersonalised stone covering included. The cost of personalising your niche depends on the design and craftsmanship involved.
How much does it cost to renew a niche?
All niches are renewed at the same price, plus Retail Price Inflation, as published by the ONS.
What does the price include?
The price includes the term of the niche, an unpersonalised stone cover and exclusive use of the barrow site for a funeral and memorial service. Single niches also come with a handmade felt urn.
How much does a niche cost?
The cost of a niche depends on the location but starts from £750 for a one-year single niche and ranges to £7,000 for a 99-year family niche.
Can we arrange for refreshments?
You can arrange refreshments at the barrows for your service or we can arrange these for you.
Can I hold a commemorative event on an anniversary?
We welcome events at the barrows and provide private use to families holding commemorative and anniversary events. Please get in touch to arrange.
Can my niche be blessed by a religious leader?
A religious leader can bless your niche. However, because our niches are for all faiths and beliefs, we ask them not to bless the whole barrow.
Can a religious leader officiate at a ceremony?
We welcome all religions to our barrows, and a religious leader can officiate at your ceremony.
Do I need someone to lead the service?
We can arrange someone to lead your service or you can have a celebrant, faith leader, family member or friend lead the service for you.
Can I hold a service at the barrow?
We welcome all services and ceremonies at the barrows, regardless of faith or belief.
Can I hold a funeral at a barrow?
We welcome all services, including funerals, at the barrows.