

Saying goodbye in the right way is extremely important. There are many different types of burial services available and the exact arrangements will depend on the decisions of the family members of the deceased. A burial can be seen as a more permanent resting place with some people finding comfort in knowing when they visit the grave they are close to their loved one again.
J Lawrence & Sons is here to help guide you through this difficult time. We will consult with you, so you get exactly what your loved one would have wanted. Personal preferences and religion may factor into the decision-making process, and we can cater to all requests.
After deciding on a burial service the next decision is where would you like the burial to take place. There are 3 choices for new plots in Southampton, these are: Hollybrook Cemetery, Tremona Road, Shirley; South Stoneham Cemetery, Stoneham Cemetery Road, Mansbridge; St Mary Extra Cemetery, Portsmouth Road, Sholing.
These are all owned and run by Southampton City Council. There is also Southampton Old Cemetery and Millbrook Cemetery, however they are for re-opened graves only. There are other cemeteries in the surrounding boroughs.
The next decision is whether you would like your loved one to be interred in a family grave, if there is one, or whether you would be looking for a new plot.
If you believe there to be a family grave but you are unsure of the exact details, we can check with the local burial authority on your behalf.
We liaise with the Burial Authority on your behalf to make the necessary arrangements for the burial. It is important to know Southampton City Council and Natural Burial Grounds do not allow Metal coffins or caskets to be interred.
We will take you through all the necessary legal processes so that you aren’t left overwhelmed during this difficult time.


What is a Natural Burial Ground?
A Natural Burial Ground is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cemeteries. Typically, they are open meadows or woodland sites where the surrounding nature and beauty is respected and upheld.
Natural burial grounds have very strict restrictions regarding burial. For example, all coffins/caskets must be made of natural materials, biodegradable, with no lacquer/varnish or veneers, also the deceased can only be dressed in all natural fibres such wool and cotton – no synthetic garments can be used.
Most natural burial grounds do not permit any traditional Headstone/Memorial but offer other options that compliment the surrounding area.

South Downs Natural Burial Ground
A Service can be held in a Church or Religious Centre before a Committal Service at the Cemetery. Alternatively, a Service can be held within the Cemetery Chapel, there is also the option of a ‘Graveside’ Service.
For some a non-religious service is chosen. We work with a large number of Independent Celebrants and Speakers who lead a very personal service that reflects the person’s life.
Sometimes a family member or a friend choose to lead the service which gives a truly personal and meaningful tribute to the person.

Highfield Church
No matter where the service is taking place, we can provide the music or hymns through one of our portable audio speakers. We work with you and the person leading the service to source the chosen music. If the service is taking place in a place of worship or a venue where they have their own music provisions we will work with them and you to make sure the service runs smoothly.
With more than a century’s worth of experience to draw from, J Lawrence & Sons are perfectly placed to be your choice of funeral directors in the Southampton area. We offer a tailored approach that makes this difficult time a little bit easier for you.
We will calmly walk you through all of the available options, so you can make an informed decision regarding the specifics of the upcoming burial service. Our team will always be compassionate and understanding as we sympathise with the emotional duress you may be under during this process.
When you’re ready to discuss the options we offer for burial services, don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 02380 554 801. You can also reach out by sending us a message through our online contact form.