Braham Crematorium 70th Anniversary
This year – 2026 – marks the platinum anniversary of Barham Crematorium, which means it has proudly served its surrounding communities for 70 years.
On January 10 1956, Kent County Crematorium, as our site was first known, was officially opened by the Rt Hon Lord Cornwallis, Lord Lieutenant of Kent.
Its history goes back a further four years when a 1951 meeting called by the Kent County Planning Officer decided that the East Kent area should be zoned to allow for two crematoria.
One of them would serve the needs of the north coastal area and the other would be midway between Canterbury and Dover.
Kent County Crematorium Ltd negotiated for a site in Broome Park, Barham, which was the home of the late Field Marshall Lord Kitchener.
The architect was Mr J Seaton Dahl with the garden design by Mr L Milner White, with the gardens expected to become among the most beautiful in Great Britain.
There was one Gibbons Askam gas cremator installed with the provision in the crematory for two further machines.
When it opened in January 1956, Barham Crematorium – as it is now known – was the 83rd crematorium in Great Britain and the second in Kent, the first being Charing Crematorium, which opened in 1936 and which is also part of Westerleigh Group.
The Service of Dedication was conducted by Bishop T Lenman before a large congregation which included the High Sheriff of Kent, the Chief Constable of Kent, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Mayors of New Romney, Sandwich, Deal, Folkestone, Margate and Faversham, as well as the Chairman of a number of Urban and District Councils in East Kent.
The Cremation Society of Great Britain was represented by Mr Joseph Reeves MP, the chairman. At the invitation of Lord Harris (Chairman of the Kent County Crematorium Ltd), the Lord Lieutenant opened the door of the crematorium and unveiled a Tablet on the wall which recorded the date and circumstances of the opening.
Westerleigh Group took over the running of Barham Crematorium in October 2010, bringing the exceptional standards of service, care and support that the group has built its reputation on.
It’s apt that a 70th anniversary is represented by platinum, which symbolises exceptional rarity, strength, purity and enduring beauty.
From the traditionally-styled chapel to the stunning gardens, with rose beds, wide expanses of lawn and woodland, Barham Crematorium offers the fitting, peaceful and comforting environment for reflection and remembrance.
Westerleigh Group is proud to commemorate this milestone anniversary and honour the vital role Barham Crematorium has played in supporting bereaved communities locally for over 70 years.
