The First "Water Cremation" Service In Britain.

I caught a brief News item that this form of cremation is being introduced in Britain.

It mimics the natural decomposition by alkali produced by the particular species of bacteria, but artificially and far more rapidly. The result is a granular "ash" similar to that from cinery cremation, so can be scattered or interred by the relatives in the same way.

I knew it had been developed some while ago but not introduced here until now.

[So-called "woodland" or "natural" cemetaries have been common here for some years now; and there are I believe two, but only two, sea-burial sites around the coast.)

Top | New | Old

FreddieUK · 70-79, M

It's a good to have choice in these matters. I wonder if it will become available anywhere else in the UK? I would consider it.

I understand they now have to actually build one. That will require Planning Permission. I imagine I have long gone by the time they get that! 😀

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@FreddieUK May be able to install it in an existing crematorium. Yes, I expect the option will spread but it may take some while.

FreddieUK · 70-79, M

@ArishMell I think the BBC article suggested it had to be separate, but that may be an assumption.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@FreddieUK "Suggested" implies no-one is sure, which may be the case. So far the principle has been established, and it still has to be put into practice - which likely means first planning-officers having to learn what's involved and what can and what can't be done.

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

It does sound a bit odd.

A potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) bath for the body taking 4-6 hours depending on body size and weight.

It breaks the body down into something of a 'soup' leaving only the femurs and teeth which are then ground down to leave the 'ashes'.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@Picklebobble2 The term "water cremation" might be a euphemism, a bit gentler than the chemical term, "hydrolysis".

I've heard it called "racematising" but looking up that word suggests that is a mistake.

It's actually Scotland that is the first UK country to licence it.

RachelLia2003 · 22-25, F

just bury

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@RachelLia2003 That's still a popular way, both conventional and "natural". (They use different types of coffin.)

TheOneyouwerewarnedabout · 46-50, MVIP

water cremation?

a viking funeral 🤔

Add a comment...