Genealogy Chat

I have just answered a question for someone on ...ahemm, another forum site, about Brookwood Cemetery, and gave them their web address. I got sidetracked (as you do) and started looking at the site myself. I clicked onto the 'Rules and Regulations' section, and noticed that number 7 says - Photographs of the graves may not be taken without permission of the grantee, countersigned by the company. . Is this the same in every graveyard? Could I get into trouble by taking photo's?

I was not aware of restrictions on taking photos, I have always just taken them. I would have thought, if there were rules against it there would be notices up in the graveyards. Ann glos

I would be surprised if you got into trouble for just taking a photo of your ancestors' grave, but if you went round taking photos of them all they might think you were doing it for a commercial purpose. Kate.

I didn't think of that Kate. Over the years I have taken countless photo's, not just for me, but for others too. I wonder if it's every cemetery's policy, or just Brookwoods?

I have taken lots of pictures of graves and have them in an album!!! I never considered that there might be any problem in doing it.

Didnt think you needed permission, to photo family graves. Helen

Hi Just a thought but i thought grave yards were church property or council not owned by a company? Does the web site have actual photos of the graves on it? if so perhaps the T & C pertaine to the actual content of the web site. I know when i build a site for a client i often use this '' All images on this site are the sole property of the owner and must not be copied or used in any way without the express permision ect ect'' Steve

I used to know one of the gravediggers at Brookwood cemetery and I think it is privately owned rather than belonging to a Surrey council. Jay

Now i have the image of the company name lol GRAVES 'R' US lol Sorry Steve

Hi I've got no one in Brookwood (that I know of) so this dosen't apply to me, it was only when I was looking through the site this afternoon that I saw it. I must have taken at least 100 photos these past 4 years, of various graves, some of my ancestors, and for people who live too far away to visit themselves. I have visited 3 cemeteries last year, and took lots of photos. I have just been on all the three's websites, and no where does it mention on any of them about the taking of photo's. There seem to be quite a few Do's and Don'ts at Brookwood though. If you want to have a look go to www*brookwoodcemetery*com/page4.html Sandra