If you need to locate a family grave but don't know the plot number, the cemetery's own records are usually the answer. Many councils will search those records for you — but where the information is held in older, pre-digital archives, they often charge a fee for doing so.
Below is a guide to what councils across South Wales currently charge. It's worth knowing these figures in advance, so there are no surprises when you make an enquiry.
A note before you begin Fees and arrangements are set by each council and can change. Always confirm the current cost with the relevant authority before making a request. You'll usually be asked for the person's full name, an approximate date of death, and a possible cemetery location.
Cardiff
Cardiff Bereavement Services charges £45 to search pre-digital burial records for a grave plot.
The service manages a number of cemeteries across the city, including:
- Cathays Cemetery — Fairoak Road and Allensbank Road
- Thornhill Cemetery — Thornhill Road, Rhiwbina
- Western Cemetery — Cowbridge Road West, Ely
- Northern Cemetery — Thornhill Road, Rhiwbina
- Llandaff Cemetery — Cathedral Close, Llandaff
- Llanishen Cemetery — Station Road, Llanishen
- Pantmawr Cemetery — Pantmawr Road
Cardiff Bereavement Services is understood to manage several sites across the city, so if the cemetery you're looking for isn't listed here, it's still worth asking.
Caerphilly County Borough
Caerphilly County Borough Council charges £38.50 plus VAT for a burial record search.
The cemeteries and burial grounds covered include Aberbargoed, Abercarn, Abertridwr, Bargoed, Bedwas, Bedwellty, Blackwood, Caerphilly, Cwmfelinfach, Fleur-de-lis, Fochriw, Gelligaer, Hengoed, Llanbradach, Machen, Maesycwmmer, Mynyddislwyn, Nelson, New Tredegar, Newbridge, Pengam, Pontlottyn, Rhymney, Risca, Rudry, Ynysddu and Ystrad Mynach, along with St James and St Philip Churchyard and Trinity Congregational Church Churchyard.
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council charges £37.50 per name for a burial record search at Glyntaff Cemetery.
Newport
Newport City Council charges £43.86 for a half-hour search of its burial records.
This applies to the council's cemeteries, including:
- St Woolos Cemetery — Bassaleg Road
- Christchurch Cemetery — Christchurch Road
- Caerleon Cemetery — Cold Bath Road
Once you've located the grave
When you have the details, write them down and keep them safe — cemetery name, section and plot number — and share them with other family members so the information isn't lost again. If you'd like more detail on the search process itself, our guide on finding a grave when you don't know the plot number takes you through it step by step.
We can help you find it
If your loved one is resting in Cardiff or the surrounding area and you're not sure where to start, we can help trace the grave, visit it, and send you photographs — wherever in the world you are.
Talk to Mark