Losing someone close to you can be one of life's most difficult experiences. During such an emotional time, knowing what needs to be done can feel overwhelming. Whether the death occurred at home, in hospital, in a care home or elsewhere, there are organisations across Waltham Forest that can help guide you through the practical steps.This page has been created to provide clear, straightforward information for anyone arranging a funeral or dealing with the death of a loved one in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Here you'll find details of local bereavement services, cemeteries, the Coroner, crematoriums, funeral directors, hospitals and the Register Office, together with helpful guidance to support you through each stage.Waltham Forest includes the communities of Walthamstow, Chingford, Leyton, Leytonstone and Highams Park. The borough is home to people from many different cultures and faiths, and local bereavement services are experienced in supporting religious, non-religious and personalised funeral arrangements.Whether you're arranging a burial, cremation or direct cremation, or simply looking for advice about what happens next, we hope this guide helps make a difficult time a little easier.
Waltham Forest Council provides bereavement services through its Bereavement Services Team, supporting families with burial enquiries, cemetery services, memorials and grave ownership matters.Bereavement Services can help with:
AddressWaltham Forest Bereavement Services
The Old Town Hall
Forest Road
Walthamstow
London E17 4JFTelephone020 8496 3000Emailbereavement.services@walthamforest.gov.ukWebsitehttps://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-marriages/deaths-and-bereavementOpening HoursMonday to Friday
9:00am – 5:00pmDescriptionWaltham Forest Bereavement Services manages the council's cemeteries and provides advice on burials, memorials, grave ownership and cemetery records. The team works closely with funeral directors and other local services to support families following a bereavement.
If you're arranging a burial in one of Waltham Forest's cemeteries, your funeral director will normally liaise directly with Bereavement Services to book the burial and complete the necessary paperwork.If you have questions about an existing family grave, memorial permissions or cemetery records, Bereavement Services can advise you and explain the options available.
If you're unsure whether your family already owns a grave, contact Bereavement Services before making funeral arrangements. They can often help trace burial records and explain whether an existing family grave may be available for use
Waltham Forest Council manages two municipal cemeteries that provide burial plots, the interment of cremated remains and memorial facilities for residents of the borough. The council also offers grave ownership services, memorial permits and burial record searches through its Bereavement Services Team.For enquiries about burials, grave ownership, memorial permits or cemetery records, please contact:Telephone: 020 8524 5030Email:cemeteries@walthamforest.gov.uk
Address121 Old Church Road
Chingford
London E4 6STTelephone020 8524 5030Emailcemeteries@walthamforest.gov.ukWebsitehttps://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-marriages/deaths/cemeteriesOpening HoursJanuary to March & October to December
April to September
DescriptionEstablished in 1884, Chingford Mount Cemetery is Waltham Forest's principal operational cemetery. It offers new burial graves, cremated remains plots and memorial options for borough residents. The cemetery is maintained to the standards of the ICCM Charter for the Bereaved and is a peaceful place for remembrance.
AddressQueens Road
Walthamstow
London E17 8QPTelephone020 8524 5030Emailcemeteries@walthamforest.gov.ukWebsitehttps://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-marriages/deaths/cemeteriesOpening HoursAs for Chingford Mount Cemetery.DescriptionQueens Road Cemetery is a historic cemetery serving Waltham Forest. While it is no longer able to offer new burial graves, it remains an important place of remembrance where existing family graves continue to be maintained and visited.
Although not managed by Waltham Forest Council, families may also enquire about:
Your funeral director can advise whether these burial grounds are suitable for your family's needs and explain the eligibility requirements where applicable.
New burial graves and cremated remains plots at Chingford Mount Cemetery are generally available only to residents of the London Borough of Waltham Forest. The council also offers burial register searches and can advise on grave ownership, memorial applications and reopening existing family graves. Dogs are welcome in the cemeteries but must be kept on a lead and remain on the main drives.
If your family already has a grave in Waltham Forest, ask Bereavement Services whether it can be reopened before purchasing a new plot. They can explain the ownership requirements and whether there is sufficient space for another burial or the interment of cremated remains.
Some deaths must be reported to the Coroner by a doctor, hospital or the police. This is a normal legal process and does not necessarily mean that the death is suspicious. The Coroner is an independent judicial officer who investigates certain deaths to establish who died, and how, when and where they died.A death may be referred to the Coroner if:
If the Coroner becomes involved, they may decide that no further investigation is required, request a post-mortem examination or open an inquest. In many cases, the funeral can still take place before an inquest has concluded once the necessary paperwork has been issued.
AddressQueens Road
Walthamstow
London E17 8QPTelephone020 8496 5000EmailCoroners@walthamforest.gov.ukWebsitehttps://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-marriages/deaths/coroners-courtOpening HoursMonday to Friday
9:00am – 5:00pmDescriptionThe East London Coroner's Court serves the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge, Havering and Barking & Dagenham. Coroners and Coroner's Officers support families throughout the investigation process, explaining what will happen and keeping them informed of any significant developments.
The East London Forensic Centre is located alongside the Coroner's Court and provides modern post-mortem examination facilities for the East London Coroner area. The centre carries out both invasive and non-invasive post-mortem examinations and works closely with the Coroner to support investigations while treating every person with dignity and respect. The service also takes account of faith and cultural requirements wherever possible.
If the Coroner decides that no further investigation is required, the appropriate documentation will be sent to the Register Office so the death can be registered.If a post-mortem examination or an inquest is necessary, the Coroner's Officer will explain what happens next and keep you informed throughout the investigation. Your funeral director can usually begin making provisional funeral arrangements while enquiries are taking place.
It can be worrying when you're told a death has been referred to the Coroner, but this is often a routine part of the legal process. Don't be afraid to ask the Coroner's Officer for updates or explanations—they understand how difficult this time is and are there to help you through each stage.
The London Borough of Waltham Forest does not operate its own crematorium. Families are free to choose any crematorium, and your funeral director can help you select the most suitable venue based on location, availability, religious or cultural requirements and personal preference.The following crematoria are among the most commonly used by families living in Waltham Forest.
AddressAldersbrook Road
Manor Park
London E12 5DQTelephone020 7606 3030Websitehttps://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/births-deaths-citizenship-and-marriages/cemetery-and-crematoriumOpening HoursPlease check the official website for current office and chapel opening times.Facilities
DescriptionOne of the largest municipal crematoria in Europe, the City of London Cemetery & Crematorium serves families from across London and offers modern facilities in beautifully maintained surroundings.
AddressForest Road
Hainault
Essex IG6 3HPTelephone020 8501 2236Websitehttps://www.forestparkcrematorium.co.ukOpening HoursPlease check the official website for current opening times.Facilities
DescriptionForest Park Crematorium is a modern crematorium set within landscaped gardens. It is a popular choice for families from Waltham Forest, Redbridge and neighbouring areas, offering both traditional and personalised funeral services.
AddressBrunswick Park Road
New Southgate
London N11 1JJTelephone020 8886 6147Websitehttps://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/crematoria-and-cemeteries/crematoria/new-southgate-cemetery-crematorium/Opening HoursPlease check the official website for current opening times.Facilities
DescriptionNew Southgate Cemetery & Crematorium is another popular choice for Waltham Forest families, providing modern cremation facilities together with a wide range of memorial options.
You are not restricted to using the nearest crematorium. Your funeral director can arrange a funeral service at any crematorium with availability and will discuss the options available, including chapel facilities, service times, webcasting and memorial choices.If you're planning a personalised funeral, ask your funeral director about the music, visual tribute and live streaming facilities available at your chosen crematorium.
If you have family travelling from overseas or relatives who are unable to attend in person, ask whether your chosen crematorium offers live webcasting or a recording of the service. Many crematoria now provide this option, allowing loved ones to be part of the farewell wherever they are in the world.
Choosing a funeral director is one of the first decisions many families make after the death of a loved one. A funeral director can guide you through every stage of arranging the funeral, explain the options available and help ensure your loved one's wishes are respected.Below is a selection of funeral directors serving Waltham Forest and the surrounding communities.
The funeral directors listed on this page are provided for information only to help you find local services in your area.The Funeral Companion does not endorse, recommend or affiliate with any funeral director listed. We do not receive commission or payment for including a business on our website, and listings are not ranked in any order of preference.We encourage you to contact more than one funeral director, compare the services they offer and obtain written quotations before making your decision. The choice of funeral director is entirely yours.
Address70–72 St James Street
Walthamstow
London E17 7PETelephone020 3813 2616Websitehttps://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/funeral-directors/locations/england/london/walthamstow/70-72-st-james-streetOpening Hours24-hour service availableDescriptionA long-established funeral director serving Walthamstow and the surrounding communities, offering traditional, bespoke and contemporary funeral services together with pre-paid funeral plans.
Address95 Old Church Road
Chingford Mount
London E4 6STTelephone020 8529 1530Websitehttps://www.haroldwhitefuneraldirectors.co.ukOpening Hours24-hour service availableDescriptionAn independent family funeral director with many years of experience supporting families across Chingford, Waltham Forest and neighbouring boroughs.
Address5 The Broadway
Highams Park
London E4 9LQTelephone020 8819 5791Websitehttps://www.funeralpartners.co.uk/funeral-directors/london/highams-park/james-hawes-and-goodchild-funeral-directorsOpening Hours24-hour service availableDescriptionA respected independent funeral director providing personalised funeral arrangements, cremation and burial services together with compassionate family support.
Address269 Hoe Street
Walthamstow
London E17 9PTTelephone020 8131 1002Websitehttps://www.coop.co.uk/funeralcareOpening Hours24-hour service availableDescriptionPart of the nationwide Co-op Funeralcare network, providing traditional funerals, direct cremations, funeral plans and memorial services.
Address883 High Road
Leytonstone
London E11 1HRTelephone020 8532 9600Websitehttps://www.hlhawes.co.ukOpening HoursMonday to Friday: 9:30am – 4:30pmDescriptionA long-established independent funeral director serving families in Leytonstone, Leyton and the surrounding areas, offering personalised funeral arrangements with professional and compassionate care.
Most funeral directors offer a 24-hour service and can bring your loved one into their care at any time of the day or night. They will also liaise with hospitals, the Coroner, the Register Office, cemeteries and crematoria on your behalf, helping to make the funeral arrangements as straightforward as possible.You are under no obligation to use the first funeral director you contact. It's perfectly acceptable to obtain more than one quotation, compare services and choose the funeral director who feels right for you and your family.
As someone who has worked as a funeral arranger, I always encourage families to ask questions and take their time before making a decision. A good funeral director will explain everything clearly, listen to your wishes and support you without ever making you feel under pressure.
If a loved one dies in hospital, the hospital's Bereavement Team will guide you through the next steps. They can explain when the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) has been completed, advise when it has been sent to the Register Office and answer any questions you may have about the process.
AddressWhipps Cross Road
Leytonstone
London E11 1NRTelephone (Main Switchboard)020 8539 5522Websitehttps://www.bartshealth.nhs.uk/whipps-crossBereavement OfficeThe Bereavement Team supports families following the death of a loved one, working alongside the Medical Examiner Service to ensure the necessary documentation has been completed before the death is registered.Opening HoursMonday to Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm (excluding Bank Holidays).
Whipps Cross Hospital is the main acute hospital serving the London Borough of Waltham Forest and forms part of Barts Health NHS Trust. The Bereavement Team provides practical guidance following a death in hospital, including information about the Medical Examiner process, collection of personal belongings and the next steps before registering the death.
AddressHomerton Row
Hackney
London E9 6SRTelephone (Main Switchboard)020 8510 5555Websitehttps://www.homerton.nhs.ukDescriptionAlthough located in the neighbouring borough of Hackney, Homerton University Hospital also serves many Waltham Forest residents. Its Bereavement Team provides support to families, advice on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) and guidance on registering the death.
The Medical Examiner Service independently reviews deaths that are not being investigated by the Coroner. A Medical Examiner or Medical Examiner Officer may contact the next of kin to:
This independent review helps ensure the cause of death is accurately recorded and gives families the opportunity to ask questions before the death is registered.
If the death occurred in hospital, you do not normally need to collect the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death yourself. Once it has been completed and reviewed, it is usually sent electronically to the Register Office. The Bereavement Team will let you know when you can arrange the registration appointment.If the death has been referred to the Coroner, the Bereavement Team will explain the next steps and keep you informed throughout the process.
It's completely understandable to feel anxious while waiting for the hospital to contact you. A short delay is often simply because the Medical Examiner is carrying out their independent review. If you're worried or haven't heard anything within the timescale you've been given, don't hesitate to ring the Bereavement Team—they'll be able to update you and explain what happens next.
The death of a loved one should normally be registered within five days in England and Wales, unless the death has been referred to the Coroner.Before you can register the death, the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) must have been completed by the doctor and reviewed by the Medical Examiner, or the Coroner must have issued the necessary documentation.
AddressWaltham Forest Register Office
Sycamore House
Town Hall Complex
Forest Road
Walthamstow
London E17 4JFTelephone020 8496 3000Emailregister.office@walthamforest.gov.ukWebsitehttps://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-marriages/deaths/register-deathOpening HoursMonday to Friday
9:00am – 5:00pmAppointmentsDeath registrations are by appointment only. Once the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) has been received electronically, you will be able to book an appointment with the Register Office.
The registrar will ask for information about the person who has died, including:
If you don't know every detail, don't worry. The registrar will guide you through the process.
During your appointment, the registrar will:
Additional certified copies can be purchased during the appointment or ordered later if required for banks, pension providers, insurers or probate.
The Tell Us Once service allows several government organisations to be notified of the death in one process, including:
Using this free service can save you time and reduce the number of organisations you need to contact individually.
If the death has been referred to the Coroner, the registration process may differ. The Coroner's Office will explain what happens next and advise whether you need to attend the Register Office.If the death occurred in hospital, the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is normally sent electronically to the Register Office, so you do not usually need to collect any paperwork yourself before your appointment.
Before you leave the Register Office, ask whether there's anything else you need to do locally. While the Tell Us Once service notifies many government departments, you may still need to contact banks, utility companies, insurance providers and subscription services separately. Keeping a simple checklist can make the process feel much more manageable.