Stoke Poges
MEMORIAL
GARDENS
‘For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains’
Ursula (Pankow) Delfs
I
n 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
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.
A magnificent 600 year-old oak stands within the
grounds, in the Oak Dell, a beautiful natural area
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.
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 addition, there are over 3,000 individual
plots, providing a final resting place for loved in regularly to help out and more volunteers
ones in a serene environment. The beautiful
are always welcomed.
Book of Remembrance is on display at the
cottage and new names may be entered for a
small fee.
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 [email protected].
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
N
G
Scattering
Lawn
G
F
H
L
M
Rock & Water
Garden
AC
A
JN
AC
A
JS
X
Parterre
Gardens
P
Colonnade
R
D
Rose Garden
C
St. Giles'
Church
SH
E
Office
SH
C
Main Entrance
B
Oak Dell
C
Disabled Access
Steps
JE
Wheelchair Access
Weekend Wheelchair Access
Access affected by wet weather
Disabled toilet by the office
A-X Plot references
An Idyllic Resting Place
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: [email protected]
Tel: 01753 523744
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’)
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
[email protected]
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
Yes - The gardens welcome everyone,
irrespective of faith, religion or whether you benches and trees are available as memorials.
live in the area.
Can flowers, plants, bulbs or items be left
on the plot?
Would it be possible to choose and buy
a plot so I know where my ashes will go
A limited amount of cut flowers can be left
when I die?
and appropriate vases are provided. Flowers
Yes - you can view the gardens any time, or are usually removed on Fridays. In order to
maintain the natural environment, plastic
make an appointment to discuss available
flowers are not permitted. Adornments,
plots with the staff during office hours.
such as cards, toys and photographs are
When ashes are interred, is it necessary to not permitted. This is to retain the intended
garden setting, rather than a crematorium or
have a religious ceremony?
cemetery environment.
No - People are free to arrange a ceremony
if they wish to, regardless of religion or faith. Some planting may be possible - but the
You can discuss your wishes with the staff. Grade I listing requires the gardens to abide
by certain criteria. Any planting must first be
discussed with the Head Gardener.
What urns or caskets are used?
Can anyone purchase a plot?
These need to be biodegradable. Bronze or
plastic urns are not accepted.
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
How to find us
Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens, Church Lane, Stoke Poges, SL2 4NZ
The office is open:
Monday - Friday: 9.30am - 4pm
(excluding Bank Holidays)
The gardens are open daily:
Summer: 8am - 7pm
Winter: 8am - 4.30pm
Main gates close at 4:30pm all year round. Please use car park opposite and pedestrian side
gate when main gates are closed.
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.
Public transport
Please check with the local bus operator
for up-to-date travel information.
Location Map
From the M40
Leave at Junction 2, taking the A355
(signposted M4). At the double miniroundabout 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.
Parking and Weekends
Parking
During office hours parking is available within the grounds.
Weekends
There 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 prebooking is advisable.
For information about upcoming events and to see more photographs of the
gardens please go to our Facebook page ‘Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens’.
Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens, Church Lane, Stoke Poges, SL2 4NZ
Contact:
Tel: 01753 523744
Email: [email protected]