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Loved ones whose relatives buried in graves at risk from coastal erosion argue that indecision over how to tackle the problem is creating avoidable anguish concerning the eternal homes of their loved ones.

An Impending Danger to Ancient Graveyards

Local authorities have singled out three burial grounds in the communities of Happisburgh, Mundesley, and Trimingham as being in danger of being consumed by the sea in the coming decades.

A newly published study on the situation sets out a series of possible actions, from taking no action to disinterring bodies and reburying them in safer sites. Officials maintain 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 last home, but it won't be because of the sea.”

Projections suggest at least part of one graveyard could fall into the sea in the next 80 years, but some locals worry it will happen far earlier. “In my view it’s got less than 20 years, if you look at what’s happened in the last 30 years,” a farmer stated.

Haunted by the Ghosts of Eccles

One resident recalled a childhood visit to the neighbouring settlement of Eccles, which has largely vanished into the water, including its church and graveyard.

“It was possible to see human remains,” she said. “Some have this idealized notion that the deceased will just get washed out to sea. 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 at Happisburgh and there’ll be skeletons on the shore. I’d be appalled by that.”

A Soldier's Resting Place in Jeopardy

Along the coast is situated the burial plot of a former paratrooper who died while serving overseas. His mother expressed she lost sleep after discovering her son’s final plot might one day be moved.

“It does disturb me to think this may not remain his lasting resting place,” she said. “To our family it’s an significant site to visit.”

In her view, new interments should cease but says it is too soon to disturb current plots. “What I would choose for now is to take no action and closely monitor, but an early decision needs to be made when a tipping point has been attained.”

Seeking Solutions and Certainty

An absence of agreement over the timing and method to tackle the problem has resulted in bereaved families feeling exasperated and worried.

Several families want additional sea defences to delay the inevitable erosion and to permit burials to continue for now. Different voices contend the time for relocation is drawing near.

“It is very emotive,” said one relative. “The council’s report was really good, but now there’s confusion about how it is taken forward. And everybody is avoiding responsibility over who is accountable.”

A coastal manager confirmed the burial sites were owned and managed of the church authorities. “In the end it is down to them to decide the path to take. We are here to assist them through that journey with residents.”

He added there was ample time to consider all the choices. “This concerns decades before it begins getting lost.”

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

The possibility of the loss of the historic sites was labeled one of “profound sadness for the local community,” but faith leaders also spoke of a belief in resurrection, providing a spiritual perspective on the physical loss of hallowed earth.