The British Burial Fund
Cemitério dos Ingleses – Gamboa

The English Cemetery was founded soon after Dom João VI set up court in Rio, in fact he himself arranged the donation of the land, so it is nearly 200 years old. It is located at Rua da Gamboa, 181, behind the Central Railway Station and through Gamboa tunnel. General security has improved with developments in the area, and the cemetery itself is a place of peace and quiet.
The Gamboa staff, led by Sr Wilson, keep the cemetery tidy and also maintain the gardens at Christ Church. General maintenance expenses are covered by donations, annual fees, and the sale of plots. Memorial garden benches can be sponsored at a minimum contribution of R$3.000,00. The benches bear a memorial plaque with words chosen by the donor. To sponsor a bench contact Sr Adolfo, the Administrator, at the BBF office, by phone or email. You can make a donation to the British Cemetery when you renew your BCS membership, directly from the BCS website www.bcsrio.org, or by phoning the office. Information on the cemetery and photographs can be found on www.cariocaforever.com.
The caretaker is available at the cemetery from 8am to 4pm throughout the week, and at weekends and holidays he can be reached on “siga-me” cell phone by calling the normal number. The office is located at Rua Real Grandeza, 99, Botafogo, where the Administrator attends to the purchase of plots, burials, payment of dues, etc. In cases of emergency, please contact the Chaplain at the Vicarage or the Administrator at 8813-3222 or 9702-2899.
Burial in Brazil normally takes place within twenty four hours of death. The BBF office recommends approved undertakers or Funeral Services, who also help with the official death certificate. Relatives of a deceased British Citizen should register the fact with the British Consulate, and if needed the Consulate will issue a British Death Certificate on the payment of a fee and presentation of the local Certificate and British Passport of the deceased. Certified copies are available 12 months later from the General Registry Office in the UK.
Anyone wishing to be cremated must fill in a specific form and have it witnessed and notarized. This can be done at the BBF office in Botafogo. The Crematório de São Francisco Xavier is located at Rua Carlos Seidl s/n, within the Cemitério do Cajú, Tel: 2580-8628. A Christian funeral service can be arranged at the crematorium by contacting the Christ Church office or the Chaplain. Within the Gamboa Cemetery there is a garden of remembrance with a wall for plaques in memory of cremated relatives.
The Trustees and Officers of the BBF for 2009 are:
Chairman: Rev. David Weller
Honorary Treasurer: Mr. Christopher Hieatt
Honorary Secretary: Mrs. Noreen Vanderput
First Trustee: Mr. Ian Rutherford OBE
Second Trustee: Mr. Gerard Lies
Mr. Tim Flear, MVO, HM Consul-General
Mr. Ronald Lees, Royal British Legion
Useful contacts:
Cemetery: 2233-4237
BBF office: 2286-7899 britishburialfund@yahoo.com.br
Christ Church office: 2226-7332
Chaplain (Vicarage): 2539-9488
Honorary Treasurer: 2274-4506