‘For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains’

Ursula (Pankow) Delfs

Stoke PogesMEMORIALGARDENS

Entering Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens is like walking into a different era – there is a calmness and peace in carefully planned surroundings, which provide colour and beauty, whatever the season.

This Grade I listed Garden of Remembrance has been open since 1935. The site was acquired in the 1930s by Sir Noel Mobbs with the aim of preserving the tranquil setting of St Giles’ Church, nearby, which was the inspiration for Thomas Gray’s Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, composed in 1750.

Designed by Edward White, a leading landscape architect in the 1930s, Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens are widely considered his best creation and took five years to complete. Significant restoration work to the gardens was carried out during 2001-2004, a project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, South Bucks District Council and the Mobbs Memorial Trust. Woodlands, formal planting, pools, fountains, rills, parterres, a rockery and a wisteria pergola fill the gardens, which sit alongside historic Stoke Park, once owned by Elizabeth I, Sir Edward Coke and the Penn family, and its landscape, which was created by Capability Brown and Humphry Repton.

In a quiet corner of Buckinghamshire, 20 acres of

exquisite gardens offer respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, an escape from the world’s pressures and a place to reflect, to be at peace and at one with nature.

Everlasting peace......Glorious tranquillity

A magnificent 600 year-old oak stands within the grounds, in the Oak Dell, a beautiful natural area, which also includes a memorial stone with a bronze plaque containing a few verses from Thomas Gray’s ‘Ode on the Spring’. A carpet of golden daffodils greets you as you enter it in springtime.

There are 500 gated family gardens, individually designed by Edward White to represent a ‘home-coming’, and in which are interred the ashes of some well-known people. One of the larger gardens, the Ghurkha Memorial Garden, is in memory of the 4th Prince of Wales’ own Ghurkha Rifles.

In addition, there are over 3,000 individual plots, providing a final resting place for loved ones in a serene environment. The beautiful Book of Remembrance is on display at the cottage and new names may be entered for a small fee.

While the main purpose of the Memorial Gardens is the interment of cremated remains, it is a vibrant and interesting place to visit, with a wealth of history and many activities on offer. For instance, there are guided walks, a butterfly day in August led by an expert, while autumn brings the chance for a fungus foray. There are heritage open days and the gardens open twice a year with the National Gardens Scheme. An annual service of Thanksgiving takes place on the first Saturday in October.

Gardens of this beauty do not just happen – they are the result of a great deal of hard work all year round. The staff of five gardeners is assisted by volunteers who come in regularly to help out and more volunteers are always welcomed.

A magnificent 600 year-old oak stands within the grounds, in the Oak Dell, a beautiful natural area

Friends of Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens

The Friends of Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens was established in 2004 following the restoration. The object of the group is the preservation and conservation of the Memorial Gardens for the public benefit. They do this through fundraising and practical help. To contact or join the friends, please email friendsofspmg@southbucks.gov.uk. Visitors are always welcome. Some come to pay their respects to family and friends they have lost, while others come simply to enjoy the gardens and views. All are asked to be mindful of the role the gardens have and to be respectful. No dogs are allowed into the gardens with the exception of assistance dogs.

If you are researching your family tree, give the office a call. We may be able to find records relating to your enquiry.

Something for every season

St. Giles'Church

Office

Main Entrance

Colonnade

ScatteringLawn

Oak Dell

Rose Garden

Rock & WaterGarden

Weekend Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Access

Access affected by wet weather

Steps

Disabled Access

Disabled toilet by the office

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St. Giles'Church

Office

Main Entrance

Colonnade

ScatteringLawn

Oak Dell

Rose Garden

Rock & WaterGarden

Weekend Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Access

Access affected by wet weather

Steps

Disabled Access

Disabled toilet by the office

JN

JS

JE

A

AC

B

C

D

EF

G

HL

M

G

SH

SHAC

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R

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A-X Plot references

Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens offer perfect surroundings for a final resting place for a loved one, or if you are considering arrangements for yourself.

Empathetic, experienced staff can guide you through the process with care and sensitivity and will go through the options available to you. They will show you the gardens ensuring you choose what is right for your needs. A personal visit is highly recommended, please ring for an appointment.

All cultures, faiths and beliefs are made very welcome and can be catered for.

The ashes of more than 8,500 people are interred in the gardens; all are listed with their locations, plotted and are easily identified. Licences for scattering ashes beneath turf are for 25 years, while interments in gardens are licensed for 50 years. These can be renewed at the end of their term for a fee.

To maintain the ambience of the gardens, any memorials required are purchased through the office. Costs and relevant permit fees, where applicable, must be paid before placement. Trees are available to buy in memory of loved ones, and a plaque is included in the cost.

Plaques are a standard size, (6”x4” / 15x10cm) to maintain the unique environment, and are staked or mounted on stone.

Benches are four feet (1.2m) or six feet long (1.8m), in oak. Benches, paving and garden gates remain at the owner’s risk without liability to South Bucks District Council.

The council reserves the right without prior notice to remove anything from graves not in keeping with the gardens or not maintained in a satisfactory condition or to alter its position to ensure safety within the gardens. The council also reserves the right to recover from the owner any expense so incurred.

For more information on purchasing plots and arranging interments, please contact the administrator. Email: memorial.gardens@southbucks.gov.ukTel: 01753 523744

An Idyllic Resting Place

Can I just come along and scatter ashes?

No - you need to contact the office and purchase burial rights.

For more information on purchasing plots, please call 01753 523744 or email memorial.gardens@southbucks.gov.uk

Can anyone purchase a plot?

Yes - The gardens welcome everyone, irrespective of faith, religion or whether you live in the area.

Would it be possible to choose and buy a plot so I know where my ashes will go when I die?

Yes - you can view the gardens any time, or make an appointment to discuss available plots with the staff during office hours.

When ashes are interred, is it necessary to have a religious ceremony?

No - People are free to arrange a ceremony if they wish to, regardless of religion or faith. You can discuss your wishes with the staff.

What urns or caskets are used?

These need to be biodegradable. Bronze or plastic urns are not accepted.

Can more than one person be interred in the same plot?

Yes - Most plots are for two or more. Sizes vary and will be shown to you when you buy the plot.

How much will an interment cost?

Prices vary according to the plot. There is a fee for plot preparation and the interment. Plaques can be staked or stone-mounted and benches and trees are available as memorials.

Can flowers, plants, bulbs or items be left on the plot?

A limited amount of cut flowers can be left and appropriate vases are provided. Flowers are usually removed on Fridays. In order to maintain the natural environment, plastic flowers are not permitted. Adornments, such as cards, toys and photographs are not permitted. This is to retain the intended garden setting, rather than a crematorium or cemetery environment.

Some planting may be possible - but the Grade I listing requires the gardens to abide by certain criteria. Any planting must first be discussed with the Head Gardener.

Your Questions

The sudden loss of a relative or someone close to you can be devastating. Those left behind are often in shock and confused as to what to do next. You’ll find a wealth of clear, helpful information on the following websites:

- www.gov.uk/after-a-death/overview

- www.ageuk.org.uk/money-matters/legal-issues (follow the link ‘What to do when someone dies’)

Other cemeteries

South Bucks District Council also maintains:

Parkside Woodland Burial Ground & Cemetery

Windsor Road, Gerrards Cross, SL9 8SS

This is designed as a lawn cemetery with flat tablet head stones and also offers a woodland burial area, which is an ecologically sound alternative to traditional burials. The area has been planned to create, over time, woodland of predominately native species with associated flora and fauna. The difference to a traditional burial is that after the interment the plot can be marked by a tree or shrub rather than by a traditional headstone.

Holtspur Cemetery

Broad Lane, Beaconsfield, HP9 1XD A peaceful and more traditional Cemetery

Public transport Please check with the local bus operator for up-to-date travel information.

From the M4 Leave at Junction 6, taking the A355 (signposted M40). At the double mini-roundabout in Farnham Royal turn right onto the B416 (signposted Stoke Poges), and pass the golf course. At the crossroads with Church Lane, turn right. The Gardens are the second drive on the right, by St Giles Church. Parking at weekends is in the car park opposite.

From the M40Leave at Junction 2, taking the A355 (signposted M4). At the double mini-roundabout in Farnham Royal turn left onto the B416 (signposted Stoke Poges), and pass the golf course. At the crossroads with Church Lane, turn right. The Gardens are the second drive on the right, by St Giles Church. Parking at weekends is in the car park opposite.

Location Map

ParkingDuring office hours parking is available within the grounds.

WeekendsThere is a free car park opposite the gardens. Wheelchair access is through the churchyard.All the main paths are gravel on tarmac and usually suitable for wheelchair use. A wheelchair and electric buggy with driver are available during office hours, but pre-booking is advisable.

Parking and Weekends

How to find us

The gardens are open daily:Summer: 8am - 7pm Winter: 8am - 4.30pm

The office is open:Monday - Friday: 9.30am - 4pm (excluding Bank Holidays)

Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens, Church Lane, Stoke Poges, SL2 4NZ

Main gates close at 4:30pm all year round. Please use car park opposite and pedestrian side gate when main gates are closed.

Contact:Tel: 01753 523744 Email: memorial.gardens@southbucks.gov.uk

Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens, Church Lane, Stoke Poges, SL2 4NZ

For information about upcoming events and to see more photographs of the gardens please go to our Facebook page ‘Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens’.