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Loved ones whose relatives buried in graves at risk from coastal erosion say that indecision over how to address the issue is causing them unnecessary distress about the final resting places of their loved ones.

An Impending Threat to Historic Graveyards

The council have identified three burial grounds in the villages of Happisburgh, Trimingham, and Mundesley as being in danger of being swallowed by the sea in the next few generations.

A newly published study on the situation details a range of options, from doing nothing to exhuming remains and relocating them in more secure sites. Officials say it is for the community to decide how to proceed.

“Right now we’re in a state of uncertainty. It causes me distress. They intended this to be their final resting place, but it isn’t going to be because of the encroaching sea.”

Projections suggest 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. “In my view it’s got under 20 years, if you look at what’s happened in the last 30 years,” one said.

Haunted by the Past

One resident recalled a childhood visit to the neighbouring settlement of Eccles, which has almost entirely vanished into the water, along with its place of worship and burial ground.

“It was possible to see people’s bones,” she said. “Some have this idealized notion that the deceased will just get washed out to the ocean. They won’t. Individuals will take bones as mementos and go plundering graves looking for treasures. It’s completely disrespectful.”

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

A Soldier's Grave in Peril

Further up the shoreline is situated the burial plot of a ex-soldier killed while working overseas. His parent expressed she could not sleep after learning her child's grave might one day be moved.

“It truly disturb me to consider this may not remain his permanent home,” she said. “To our family it’s an significant site to visit.”

In her view, new burials should stop but says it is too soon to disturb existing graves. “What I would choose for now is to do nothing and watch carefully, but an early decision needs to be made when a tipping point has been attained.”

Seeking Solutions and Clarity

The lack of consensus over the timing and method to handle the challenge has resulted in bereaved families feeling exasperated and worried.

Several families are calling for additional sea defences to slow the inevitable erosion and to allow burials to proceed for now. Others contend the time for moving graves is approaching.

“It is very emotive,” a family member stated. “The council’s report was really good, but now there’s uncertainty about how it is implemented. And everybody is washing their hands over who is responsible.”

A coastal manager confirmed the graveyards were owned and managed of the church authorities. “Ultimately it is down to them to choose the direction to take. Our role is here to assist them through that journey with residents.”

He added there was ample time to weigh all the options. “We are talking decades before it begins getting lost.”

“Currently, there exists no common view on what should be done yet. We need good local conversations to find the appropriate solutions for each community.”

The prospect of the loss of the historic sites was described as one of “immense sadness for the area,” but faith leaders also spoke of a belief in resurrection, offering a spiritual perspective on the physical loss of hallowed earth.