The earliest barrows in England were constructed during the neolithic period (approx 4000 BCE) and are among our most ancient monuments. They stand as a testament to our ancestors and the eternal need to find appropriate ways to honour those that have died. (For more info on funeral traditions see my blog.) As Britain was Christianised, the barrow was replaced by the churchyard which, until recently, was the assumed eternal resting place for the vast majority. The barrow is, however, back in a modern form and I was awestruck by my visit to Mid-England Barrow near Banbury.

During the nineteenth century funerals changed dramatically from being dominated by Christian burial to the majority now being associated with cremation rather than burial. As society has become more secular, non-religious funerals have grown in popularity and the most recent trend for direct funerals (those without any mourners) continues to grow. I have written elsewhere of my concerns regarding the fashion for ‘direct cremation’ believing, as I do, that the bereaved need a sense of closure which they can struggle to have without attending a funeral. I acknowledge however, that this closure may come at different times and in different ways for every family. During the Covid pandemic we were forced to separate the cremation from the acknowledgment or celebration of the person’s life and for some, this remains an attractive option. Â

A barrow provides a place to store the ashes of a loved one and with that the chance to acknowledge their life in whatever way feels right for them and their loved ones. Mid-England Barrow is located within easy access of Birmingham, Oxford and Northampton and offers catering facilities onsite in the ‘Safari Tent’ which can hold up to 50 seated at tables and 60 in rows. It can also be heated in the winter! Whilst no ceremony is required and families are free to place ashes privately, they are also welcome to hold whatever ceremony they feel is right. Whilst a funeral will inevitably involve a level of formality, a ‘ceremony’ at the Barrow can literally be whatever feels right (within the limits of the law!). If a picnic with the deceased’s favourite food is how you want to say goodbye - great. If a party in the Safari tent is more their style, that’s perfect too. From traditional to absolutely unique, the emphasis is on giving families the opportunity to say goodbye as they wish. It is entirely possible to hold a funeral at the Barrow with the deceased’s coffin, allowing family and friends to attend and for complete personalisation - cremation can then take place (attended or not) afterwards. Â
Sarah has built a stunning, natural, stone structure situated within a 2.5 acre space of

rolling Warwickshire countryside. The Barrow itself is nestled in the corner of a field, surrounded by native trees and wildflowers. Inside the Barrow there is a central circular stone chamber and two smaller chambers all with niches, both large and small to house the urns of ashes. Families can rest together, pets can be placed aside their owners and personalisation is encouraged. The atmosphere both outside and within the Barrow is serene, peaceful, calm and beautiful. There is nothing gloomy or scary about the chambers of the Barrow making it an ideal location to support children to face and understand their loss. Those of faith would undoubtedly feel a sense of the sacred whilst those without, are not confronted by any forced religiosity.Â

There are options other than an urn within the Barrow. Within the immediate grounds you can scatter the ashes of your loved one, you can add their name on a copper leaf on one of the purpose built gabions, place a bench with a plaque or bury their ashes within the stunning grounds. In this case the location will be microchipped and logged for future reference. Once you have placed your loved one to rest at the Barrow, you are free to visit them however often is right for you; one lady sits quietly with her beloved husband each week, another family holds an annual picnic in honour of Granny. (For more thoughts on ways to remember a loved one see my blog.)
One thing which struck me particularly, were the timings at the Barrow; as someone used to working within the constraints of crematoria timings where inevitably one is under pressure - one set of mourners is leaving as the next arrive. At the Barrow a booking is for a half or whole day ensuring there is ample time for each family to complete their occasion in true privacy without feeling rushed. Sarah can provide catering and again, there is nothing corporate about this - bacon rolls, hog roasts or soup in a mug are all possible alternatives to the traditional cakes and sandwiches (although these are an option too). The Barrow is not limited to funerals - the tent can be hired for any event and whilst this might seem an unusual setting for a wedding or family event, a more glorious, welcoming and warm space you are unlikely to find.
As an independent celebrant committed to creating beautiful, personalised ceremonies for my clients, I relished my conversation with Sarah who has a passion for providing a bespoke experience for her clients. It would be an absolute honour to work at the Barrow. If you’d like to discuss the possibility of a ceremony in this glorious setting, please get in touch.
By Catrina Young, Leicestershire Heart-led celebrant, Marking Life’s Moments.
©Hardingstone Ceremonies, February, 2025
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