Honor Oak Crematorium is in Camberwell New Cemetery. It is the only crematorium in Southwark. Its full address is Brockley Way, London, SE4 2LW. The crematorium can only be accessed through Brockley Way.
Lord Horder opened it in 1939. The borough architects, William Bell and Maurice Webb, designed it. Maurice was the son of Sir Aston Webb, whose company designed Camberwell New Cemetery.
The crematorium is in the Italianate style. Its chimney resembles the bell tower of Venice Cathedral. The building also has a beautiful stained glass window. It has Grade II heritage status and was refurbished in 2018.
The crematorium offers a columbarium and cloisters to the south. It is set in 6 acres of landscaped grounds. The Gardens of Remembrance are a peaceful space. They are for reflecting and remembering loved ones. Our gardens have many memorials. They have rose beds, trees, woodland, and shrubberies. They also have Little Haven, our garden for children and babies.
The cremation service
The ceremony hall (the chapel) seats 70 people, including the gallery upstairs. If you expect a larger number of mourners, there is also a standing room in the entrance hall.
A time and date for the service will be agreed upon and confirmed in writing. Depending on the type of service required, a range of service times are available in the chapel. Ask your funeral director or our bereavement support service for advice. They can tell you about the options. Extra time can be booked in advance if required.
digital screens for displaying photos and videos during the service
a recording of the service and a copy supplied on a disc, USB or downloadable link
live-streaming and an on-demand download of the recording
During the service, the coffin will be placed on a raised platform called the catafalque. For the committal, you have the choice for the coffin to descend or remain in view. You may also wish to witness the start of the cremation. This is offered at specified times and must be requested during the funeral booking.
When you arrange the funeral, you will be asked for the instructions for the ashes. Once the cremation service has finished, we will follow these instructions. Changes can only be made with the written authority of the applicant for cremation.
We can only return cremated remains to the applicant. This is the person listed on the cremation paperwork or their appointed representative.
