Relatives' Anguish Over Shoreline Degradation Threatening Coastal Norfolk Graves
Families whose relatives buried in resting places at risk from coastal erosion argue that a lack of decision over how to address the problem is causing them unnecessary distress concerning the eternal homes of their loved ones.
A Looming Threat to Ancient Churchyards
The council have singled out three church graveyards in the communities of Happisburgh, Trimingham, and Mundesley as being at risk of being consumed by the ocean in the next few generations.
A newly published study on the issue sets out a range of possible actions, from doing nothing to disinterring bodies and reburying them in safer locations. Authorities say it is for the community to determine how to proceed.
“At the moment we’re in a state of uncertainty. It causes me distress. My parents intended this to serve as their final resting place, but it won't be because of the sea.”
Projections indicate at least part of one graveyard could be claimed by the sea in the next 80 years, but some residents worry it will happen far earlier. “In my view it’s got under 20 years, if you consider what’s happened in the last 30 years,” one said.
Troubled by the Ghosts of Eccles
One resident remembered a childhood visit to the neighbouring settlement of Eccles, which has largely disappeared into the water, along with its church and graveyard.
“You could see people’s bones,” she said. “Certain people hold this romantic idea that the deceased will just get carried away to sea. They won’t. Individuals will collect remains as souvenirs and go grave robbing looking for treasures. That is completely disrespectful.”
“I fear that the same thing that happened at Eccles will occur at Happisburgh and there’ll be bones on the shore. I would feel disgusted by that.”
A Soldier's Grave in Peril
Along the shoreline is situated the grave of a ex-soldier killed while working overseas. His parent expressed she lost sleep after learning her child's final plot might one day be relocated.
“It truly disturb me to think this won’t be his permanent resting place,” she said. “To our family it’s an significant place to go.”
She believes, new interments should cease but says it is too soon to exhume existing graves. “My preference for now is to take no action and watch carefully, but an early decision needs to be made when a tipping point has been reached.”
Searching for Answers and Clarity
The lack of agreement over when and how to handle the problem has left bereaved families feeling frustrated and worried.
Some are calling for more sea defences to slow the inevitable erosion and to allow burials to continue for now. Others argue the moment for moving graves is approaching.
“It is very emotive,” 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 coastal manager confirmed the burial sites were under the care of the church authorities. “Ultimately it is down to them to decide the path to take. Our role is here to help support them through that journey with communities.”
He added there was ample time to weigh all the choices. “We are talking decades before it begins getting lost.”
“Currently, there exists no common view on what should happen yet. It requires good local conversations to find the right solutions for each community.”
The prospect of the loss of the churches and graveyards was labeled one of “immense sorrow for the area,” but faith leaders also spoke of a doctrine in resurrection, providing a theological viewpoint on the physical loss of sacred ground.
