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Hammerwich Cemetery and Crematorium in Staffordshire has reported a sharp increase in the number of services it conducts, from 242 to 429 in 2024, amid shifting attitudes towards funeral arrangements.
The eight-acre site located on the outskirts of Burntwood near Lichfield was acquired by A.W. Lymn, and has undergone a £350k refurbishment. Works included a full chapel renovation, a new audio and visual system, and changes to the surrounding grounds.
Since reopening in October 2025, Hammerwich has also seen a 20% increase in the number of funeral directors choosing the site for cremations, the company said.
External improvements include a redesigned one-way traffic system, a resurfaced and enlarged car park, and a covered area for services with larger attendances. The operator said the changes were intended to improve access and capacity, including in the event of future public health restrictions.
Matthew Lymn Rose, managing director of A.W. Lymn, said: “We have invested heavily in the site at Hammerwich to ensure we’re able to offer the best quality service to those who choose us to help them say goodbye. Whether it’s a traditional burial or a simple and no-fuss cremation, our core ethos, standards and approach are always the same.”
Hammerwich is one of a small number of crematoria in the West Midlands equipped to handle bariatric funerals, which require additional arrangements and specialist equipment. The site can manage cremations for individuals weighing up to 60 stone and is used by funeral directors across the wider Midlands for more complex cases.
The company said this capability had made Hammerwich a regional option for families whose needs cannot be met at other crematoria.
A.W. Lymn, founded in 1907, operates 25 branches across the Midlands. It has recently expanded into Leicestershire following the acquisition of M.A. Mills, and has also invested in alternative burial options, including a barrows site in Nottinghamshire featuring ancient-style burial mounds.
