There are seven cemeteries and one crematorium maintained by Oldham Council. All of the Oldham council cemeteries date from the 19th Century but are still open for new burials.

Oldham council cemeteries

Entrance to Hollinwood Cemetery

Chadderton and Greenacres are both cemeteries of historic interest. They were designed by Manchester architect Nathan Pennington who was aged just thirty when they opened in 1857. Both have been Grade II listed by Historic England and are on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. They are beautiful to walk through, with lots of plants and historic monuments. Greenacres in particular has stunning views across the Medlock Valley towards the foothills of the Pennines.

The other Oldham Council cemeteries are at Crompton, Failsworth, Hollinwood, Lees (sometimes referred to as Leesfield) and Royton. Oldham Crematorium, which opened in 1953, is situated within Hollinwood Cemetery. Thai is also where the administrative offices are situated.

Plots at the Oldham Council cemeteries vary in size and are available for between one and three regular burials, or a mixture of burials and cremated remains. Dedicated plots solely for cremated remains are available at Crompton and Hollinwood cemeteries. As with most other local authorities, fees are more expensive if you live outside of the area.

When it comes to the installation of memorials at graves, there are limitations but Oldham Council is more flexible than many other local authorities. Memorials must be no more than three feet in height or width (90 centimetres). Kerb sets are also allowed but only in designated areas. As standard practice, Oldham Council has a registration scheme for masons who must demonstrate their ability through NAMM or BRAMM certificates to carry out work in their cemeteries.

If you do not wish to go to the expense of buying a plot for cremated remains or interring them in an existing regular plot, a cheaper option is to scatter them at a memorial garden. Each of the Oldham cemeteries have one of these, where bronze memorial plaques can be purchased. You can also remember your loved one with a ‘life for a life’ memorial tree.

Crompton is the only one of the Oldham Council cemeteries where eco-friendly burials can take place. Unlike most other cemeteries that offer green burials, even the most simple memorials are not allowed. Flowers can be left after the burial but not at other times, and Oldham Council urge anyone considering purchasing a plot here to think very carefully about the impact of no marker to the exact location of their loved one’s grave.

Alberti, Lupton & Co. are registered with Oldham Council and have a permit to work in their cemeteries. We are a family run monumental mason business that has been in existence for over 110 years spanning five generations. We are Greater Manchester’s oldest family run mason and any work we do in Oldham cemeteries will be carried out to NAMM (National Association of Memorial Masons) standards. If you are considering a new memorial or renovation of an existing one in any of the Oldham Council cemeteries do not hesitate to contact us and we will be pleased to help you.