Cemetery Research Group
The Cemetery Research Group (CRG) at the University of York aims to expand an understanding of current and past burial culture in the UK and internationally, by studying the ways in which social, emotional and religious concerns have interacted with economic and political imperatives to frame burial practice.
About cemeteries
What are cemeteries and how can we understand them?
Annual event
CRG organises the annual Cemeteries Colloquium, bringing together national and international researchers from all disciplines to share their latest research. The next meeting will take place virtually, via Zoom, on the 19th November 2021:
Death and Culture Network
The Cemetery Research Group is affiliated with the University of York Death and Culture Network.
Our research
CRG has conducted research for local authorities and informed national debate on cemeteries and their use.
We offer consultancy and specialist research knowledge undertaking audits and surveys, and we have contributed to the wider socio-cultural discussions on cemeteries and burial.
(Editor) International Funeral series
Emerald Publishing has developied a series of essential handbooks on funerary practice around the globe. Texts on England and Wales, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Serbia are now available:
Latest work
- Julie Rugg, 'Social justice and cemetery systems', Death Studies (2020)
- Julie Rugg, 'Burial reform in England: a reappraisal', Histoire, Médicine, Santé (2019).
- Julie Rugg, 'Consolation, individuation and consumption: towards a theory of cyclicality in English funerary practice', Cultural and Social History 2018).
About CRG
CRG was founded in 1990 and is led by Dr Julie Rugg, University of York.
