Families' Distress Over Shoreline Erosion Endangering Coastal Norfolk Burial Sites
Loved ones whose relatives buried in resting places at risk from coastal erosion state that a lack of decision on how best to tackle the problem is creating unnecessary distress concerning the eternal homes of their departed family.
An Impending Danger to Ancient Churchyards
Local authorities have singled out three church graveyards in the villages of Happisburgh, Mundesley, and Trimingham as being in danger of being engulfed by the ocean in the coming decades.
A newly published study on the issue details a series of possible actions, from taking no action to exhuming remains and reburying them in safer locations. Authorities say it is for local people to determine how to move forward.
“Right now we’re in a state of uncertainty. It causes me distress. My parents intended this to be their final resting place, but it won't be because of the encroaching sea.”
Projections indicate at least part of one graveyard could fall into the waves in the next 80 years, but some locals worry it will happen much sooner. “I think it’s got under 20 years, if you consider what’s occurred in the last 30 years,” one said.
Troubled by the Past
A local business owner recalled a school trip to the neighbouring village of Eccles, which has almost entirely disappeared into the water, including its church and graveyard.
“It was possible to see human remains,” she said. “Some have this romantic idea that the deceased will just get carried away to the ocean. They won’t. People will collect remains as mementos and go grave robbing looking for treasures. That is completely undignified.”
“I’m worried that the identical fate that befell at Eccles will happen at Happisburgh and there’ll be bones on the beach. I’d be appalled by that.”
A Paratrooper's Grave in Jeopardy
Further up the coast lies the grave of a former paratrooper who died while working overseas. His parent expressed she lost sleep after discovering her child's grave might one day be relocated.
“It truly disturb me to think this won’t be his lasting home,” she said. “For us it’s an significant site to visit.”
In her view, new burials should stop but says it is premature to disturb current plots. “My preference for now is to do nothing and closely monitor, but an early decision needs to be made when a tipping point has been attained.”
Searching for Solutions and Certainty
The lack of consensus over the timing and method to tackle the challenge has left bereaved families feeling frustrated and anxious.
Some want additional coastal protections to delay the unavoidable loss and to permit burials to proceed for now. Others contend the time for relocation is drawing near.
“The situation is very emotional,” a family member stated. “The council’s report was really good, but now there’s uncertainty about how it is implemented. And all parties is washing their hands over who is accountable.”
A coastal manager said the burial sites were owned and managed of the church authorities. “In the end it is down to them to choose the path to take. Our role is here to help support them through that journey with residents.”
He added there was ample time to consider all the options. “We are talking decades before it begins getting lost.”
“Currently, there exists no common view on what should happen yet. It requires productive community discussions to find the appropriate solutions for each community.”
The possibility of the loss of the historic sites was described as one of “immense sadness for the local community,” but faith leaders also spoke of a doctrine in life after death, providing a spiritual perspective on the physical disappearance of hallowed earth.