Local Support and Information After a Death in Henley-on-Thames
What to Do After Someone Dies in Henley-on-Thames
When someone dies in Henley-on-Thames or the surrounding South Oxfordshire area, knowing who to contact can make the first practical steps a little easier.
This guide brings together information about registering a death, the Medical Examiner and Coroner, local cemeteries, crematoria, natural burial grounds and bereavement support.
Our AB Walker Henley-on-Thames funeral directors support families throughout Henley, Shiplake, Wargrave, Sonning Common, Nettlebed and the surrounding villages.
If you need help straight away, call 01491 413434 at any time or read our guide to what to do when someone dies.
Registering a death in Oxfordshire
Deaths in Oxfordshire can be registered through Oxfordshire Registration Service. An appointment is required.
Oxfordshire Registration Service: 01865 519800
Deaths are reviewed by either a Medical Examiner or the Coroner before the appropriate registration process can be completed.
Our AB Walker registering a death guide provides further information about who can register a death, timescales and what to expect.
Oxfordshire Medical Examiner
For deaths occurring in the community in Oxfordshire, the Medical Examiner Office can be contacted on:
01865 221939
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
The Medical Examiner independently reviews deaths that are not investigated by the Coroner and gives bereaved families an opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns.
Oxfordshire Coroner
Some deaths need to be referred to the Coroner, including certain sudden, unexpected or unexplained deaths.
Oxfordshire Coroner’s Service
Oxford Register Office
2nd Floor
1 Tidmarsh Lane
Oxford
OX1 1NS
Telephone: 01865 815020
Email: [email protected]
You can still begin speaking to our Henley team about funeral arrangements while the Coroner’s process is taking place. Our guidance following a sudden or unexpected death explains the process in more detail.
Fairmile Cemetery
Fairmile Cemetery has served Henley since 1868 and is situated on the edge of the town.
The cemetery accommodates residents and non-residents and includes both consecrated and unconsecrated areas.
Cemetery enquiries: 07724 837604
Email: [email protected]
If your family is considering burial, our guide to burial funerals explains cemetery and churchyard arrangements, graves and some of the choices families may wish to consider.
Henley Columbarium
One of Fairmile Cemetery’s Victorian chapels has been converted into the Fairmile Columbarium, providing individual niches in which cremated remains can be placed.
It provides a distinctive permanent place of remembrance for families who choose cremation but would still like a dedicated physical memorial.
AB Walker can discuss the Columbarium and other options for ashes as part of your funeral arrangements.
Reading Crematorium
Reading Crematorium is conveniently located for many families from Henley and nearby villages.
Reading Crematorium
Henley Road Cemetery
All Hallows Road
Reading
RG4 5LP
Telephone: 0118 937 2200
Email: [email protected]
The site has two chapels together with parking and accessible facilities.
Our cremation funeral guide explains what happens at a cremation and the choices families can make around the service.
Chilterns Crematorium
Another option for Henley families is:
Chilterns Crematorium
Whielden Lane
Amersham
HP7 0ND
Telephone: 01494 724263
Our Henley team can discuss the advantages of different crematoria based on location, service times, facilities and the type of funeral you would like.
GreenAcres Chiltern
For families looking for a woodland environment:
GreenAcres Chiltern
Potkiln Lane
Jordans
Beaconsfield
HP9 2XB
Telephone: 01494 872158
Email: [email protected]
GreenAcres provides a natural setting for funerals, memorial services and remembrance.
Natural burial near Henley
Henley-on-Thames Woodland Burial Ground at Rotherfield Greys provides a local alternative to a traditional cemetery.
Natural funerals can be religious or non-religious and usually use biodegradable coffins and a more informal natural setting.
Our guide to green and natural funerals provides more information and lists natural burial grounds around Berkshire, Oxfordshire and neighbouring areas.
Bereavement support
Grief affects everyone differently, and support can be helpful long after the practical arrangements have been completed.
Oxfordshire has local bereavement services, while organisations such as Cruse provide specialist support nationally and locally.
AB Walker also offers bereavement support and resources, including free online GriefChat and our complimentary Link Bereavement Course.
Churches, celebrants and wake venues
Henley has a wide range of churches and faith communities as well as independent funeral celebrants.
A funeral can be traditional and religious, completely non-religious or highly personalised. Our team can help you understand the different types of funeral available and recommend an appropriate minister or celebrant.
Henley also offers a wide choice of hotels, pubs, clubs and other venues suitable for wakes and celebrations of life.
Henley FAQ’s
If the death occurred in Henley-on-Thames or elsewhere in Oxfordshire, it will normally be registered through Oxfordshire Registration Service once the Medical Examiner or Coroner has completed the necessary process. The relevant registration service is determined by where the person died.
Families in Henley may choose from several crematoria in the surrounding area, including Reading Crematorium, Chilterns Crematorium and Breakspear Crematorium, depending on location, availability and individual preferences. Natural and woodland burial options are also available locally.
Yes. AB Walker Henley-on-Thames is at Blyth House, 158 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1EA. You can call the team on 01491 413434, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The branch supports families across Henley and surrounding villages including Shiplake, Wargrave, Sonning Common and Nettlebed.
Memorials in Henley
AB Walker is also listed by Henley Town Council as a local funeral director and memorial mason.
Our specialist team can advise on new headstones, inscriptions, renovations and ongoing care through our memorial stones service.
AB Walker Henley-on-Thames
Blyth House
158 Reading Road
Henley-on-Thames
RG9 1EA
Telephone: 01491 413434
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.