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Families of people buried in graves at risk from coastal erosion argue that a lack of decision over how to address the issue is causing them avoidable anguish concerning the eternal homes of their loved ones.

An Impending Danger to Ancient Graveyards

Local authorities have singled out three burial grounds in the villages of Happisburgh, Trimingham, and Mundesley as being in danger of being engulfed by the sea in the next few generations.

A newly published study on the situation details a series of possible actions, from doing nothing to disinterring bodies and reburying them in more secure sites. Authorities say it is for local people to decide how to move forward.

“Right now we’re in a state of uncertainty. It upsets me. They wanted this to serve as their final resting place, but it isn’t going to be because of the encroaching sea.”

Estimates indicate at least part of one graveyard could fall into the waves in the next 80 years, but some residents fear it will happen much sooner. “I think it’s got less than 20 years, if you look at what’s occurred in the last 30 years,” one said.

Haunted by the Past

One resident recalled a childhood visit to the nearby village of Eccles, which has largely disappeared into the water, along with its church and graveyard.

“It was possible to see human remains,” she said. “Some have this idealized notion that people’s remains will just get carried away to sea. They won’t. People will collect remains as mementos and go grave robbing looking for valuables. It’s completely disrespectful.”

“I’m worried that the identical fate that happened at Eccles will occur at Happisburgh and there’ll be bones on the beach. I would feel appalled by that.”

A Soldier's Resting Place in Peril

Further up the coast lies the burial plot of a ex-soldier killed while working overseas. His mother expressed she could not sleep after discovering her son’s final plot might one day be relocated.

“It truly disturb me to think this won’t be his permanent home,” she said. “For us it’s an important place to go.”

She believes, new interments should stop but says it is premature to disturb existing graves. “What I would choose for now is to take no action and closely monitor, but an timely resolution must be made when a tipping point has been reached.”

Seeking Solutions and Certainty

The lack of consensus over the timing and method to handle the challenge has resulted in grieving relatives feeling exasperated and worried.

Some are calling for more sea defences to slow the inevitable erosion and to permit funerals to continue for now. Different voices contend the moment for moving graves is drawing near.

“It is very emotional,” said one relative. “The official study was really good, but now there’s uncertainty about how it is taken forward. And all parties is washing their hands over who is responsible.”

A local official said the graveyards were under the care of the local diocese. “Ultimately it is down to them to decide the path to take. Our role is here to assist them through that process with communities.”

He added there was ample time to weigh all the choices. “This concerns many years before it begins getting lost.”

“There is no common view on what should happen yet. It requires good community discussions to discover the appropriate solutions for each community.”

The prospect of the loss of the churches and graveyards was labeled one of “immense sadness for the local community,” but faith leaders also referenced a doctrine in resurrection, offering a spiritual perspective on the physical disappearance of hallowed earth.