Graves

[dilligaf]

I have just returned from a funeral where the deceased was burried in a double plot next to her husband who died 20 years ago.
The second grave was far shallower than that of her husband, I also attended his funeral.
Thinking about it, I came to the conclusion that if they had dug through to the same depth as her husband, his coffin may have been disturbed.
Please can someone enlighten me as to what happens.
Is the second grave left shallow?
Is the coffin removed and the second grave made deeper after the funeral ?
Or what?

Thanks in anticipation.

[Ethel]

In many cemeteries, double graves are double depth, not double width.

The first coffin is much deeper than normal and the later coffin buried on top.

Could this have been the case?

[dilligaf]

Thanks for your reply Ethel but the grave is double width. There is a marble border around it filled with granite chippings. At the funeral the granite chips had been removed and stored in bags alongside to be replaced later. Under the chips is a concrete base, half had been removed to allow the new grave to be dug, the other half remained in situ. I always assumed the coffins would lie alongside each other at the same level.
When we left the graveside they were alongside each other but at a different level. Does this remail the same or do things happen "behind the scenes?"

[Ethel]

I can't explain why they are at different levels, unless it is a family plot for four (2x2) but please be assured that nothing will go on behind the scenes except for filling the grave in.

The coffin will not be removed.

[Irishlad74]

It sounds to me like the grave was raeching its capacity. The two lower plots are used up then the two higher plots are used when necessary afterwards.

In Ireland, where large families were quite common, obviously the family plots were large to acommodate the numbers (sometimes 3 x 3 to house nine bodies). I have witnessed the digging of many graves and have seen the lower coffins partially exposed on many ocasions. it is normal practice to ensure that any voids (caused by decay of the coffin and its contents are suitably treated with fresh soil in order to prevent future subsidence. this may sound morbid or disrespectful BUT it is the only way to prevent graves with a large number of coffins (potential large number of voids) from collapsing in the future.

hope this helps!

Brendan

[RATTER15]

I am an ex grave digger, we always removed the whole of the memorial prior to digging a grave, that was essential!!!

A double depth grave was 6ft deep allowing for two coffins to be buried on top of each other, the second grave being 4ft deep being dug on top of the first, we often came across the first coffin whilst digging, we would just ensure it was covered so as not to upset mourners and to keep flies smells etc at bay. Side by side graves are sometimes allowed but this is usually for family members other than husband and wife. Sometimes graves are made to look deeper by building the soil level up around the grave to give the impression of depth, this is done where the first coffin wasn't buried to the correct level, we would then cover the coffin with concrete to prevent the coffin being unearthed by animals, not likely but possible!!

It is actually illegal to remove the coffin once it has been placed below ground level, only permission from the home office could permit this!!

I had to remove coffins and remains on occasions, sometimes with permission and a few times without permission!!