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Families of people buried in graves at risk from shoreline retreat state that a lack of decision over how to tackle the issue is creating unnecessary distress about the eternal homes of their departed family.

A Looming Danger to Historic Graveyards

The council have singled out three burial grounds in the communities of Happisburgh, Mundesley, and Trimingham as being in danger of being swallowed by the ocean in the coming decades.

A recent report on the issue sets out a series of options, from doing nothing to disinterring bodies and reburying them in more secure locations. Authorities say it is for local people to determine how to move forward.

“At the moment we’re in limbo. It upsets me. They wanted this to serve as their last home, but it won't be because of the sea.”

Estimates indicate at least part of one churchyard could be claimed by the sea in the next 80 years, but some locals fear it will happen far earlier. “I think it’s got under 20 years, if you consider what’s occurred in the last 30 years,” one said.

Haunted by the Past

One resident remembered a childhood visit to the neighbouring village of Eccles, which has largely vanished into the sea, along with its church and graveyard.

“It was possible to see people’s bones,” she said. “Certain people hold this idealized notion that people’s remains will just get washed out to the ocean. That is not the case. People will take bones as mementos and go grave robbing in search of valuables. It’s completely disrespectful.”

“I fear that the identical fate that happened at Eccles will occur here and there’ll be skeletons on the shore. I would feel appalled by that.”

A Soldier's Grave in Peril

Further up the coast lies the grave of a ex-soldier who died while working abroad. His parent expressed she could not sleep after learning her child's grave might one day be relocated.

“It truly trouble me to think this won’t be his permanent 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 existing graves. “What I would choose for now is to take no action and watch carefully, but an timely resolution must be made when a critical moment has been reached.”

Seeking Answers and Certainty

The lack of agreement over the timing and method to tackle the problem has resulted in bereaved families feeling frustrated and anxious.

Some want additional coastal protections to delay the inevitable erosion and to allow burials to proceed for now. Different voices argue the moment for moving graves is approaching.

“The situation is very emotive,” a family member stated. “The council’s report was really good, but now there’s confusion about how it is implemented. And all parties is washing their hands over who is accountable.”

A coastal manager confirmed the graveyards were under the care of the local diocese. “Ultimately it is up to them to choose the direction to take. Our role is here to assist them through that process with residents.”

It was also stated there was ample time to weigh all the options. “This concerns decades before it starts to be lost.”

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

The prospect of the loss of the historic sites was described as one of “immense sadness for the local community,” but faith leaders also referenced a belief in life after death, offering a spiritual viewpoint on the temporal loss of sacred ground.