The industrial revolution, in the 18th and 19th Centuries, saw a mass migration from small villages and towns to cities.
Previously, most people had lived in rural locations and would be buried in the local church’s graveyard.
But with a growing urban population, the authorities in Victorian Britain built large cemeteries, often on the outskirts of cities.
Those cemeteries are now largely full.
Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management chief executive Tim Morris says a crisis is looming, even though most British people choose cremation.
“Two London boroughs – Tower Hamlets and Hackney – have ceased providing a burial service,” he says.
“Residents have to go to neighbouring boroughs.”
Mr Morris says Britain’s cities are feeling the strain first, but so are leafier parts of the country.
“Local authorities have to try to find land for new cemeteries, which is expensive, while still covering the maintenance costs of older cemeteries.”
