Families and loved ones gathered at the cemetery’s new memorial garden earlier today
Ashes recovered during the investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors have been laid to rest today during a private interment ceremony at Hull’s Northern Cemetery. Families and loved ones gathered at the cemetery’s new memorial garden, where proceedings were led by the Bishop of Hull, The Right Reverend Dr Eleanor Sanderson.
More than 100 sets of ashes were interred, where next of kin had given the instruction for them to be placed into the memorial. Construction of the garden has been ongoing throughout the summer in Hull, as well as at a similar memorial at Lelley Fields Crematorium near Preston in the East Riding.
Finishing touches are now required at both gardens, with works expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Hull City Council’s Director of Adult Social Care, Tracy Meyerhoff, who is leading the work to support the families and communities affected by the incident in Hull, said: “When we carried out our consultation about the memorial gardens, people at the heart of this incident were clear that they wanted their loved one’s ashes to be laid to rest in a peaceful and private way.
“Our partner agencies worked closely with people to discuss their options, including allowing our bereavement services staff to take care of their ashes ahead of them being placed into the memorial. It was important to them and us that they were able to see this happen in a dignified and respectful manner at today’s ceremony.”
East Riding of Yorkshire Council ’s recovery lead for the incident, and Director of Housing, Transportation and Public Protection, Angela Dearing, said: “We hope that after the distress that people have felt during this situation that the memorial gardens can bring them some comfort.
“We now look forward to both gardens being completed for our communities in Hull and the East Riding.” Next of kin are being offered a named plaque to honour their loved one free of charge, and they will receive a letter at a later date which will set out their options, including which of the memorial gardens they would want it to be located.
The owner of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors has appeared in court but has not yet entered pleas to the more than 60 charges he faces including 30 counts of preventing a lawful burial. Robert Bush, 47, formerly of Kirk Ella but now of Otley, near Leeds, appeared at Hull Crown Court last month for a plea, trial and preparation hearing.
It comes after a ten-month investigation, previously described by Humberside Police as “comprehensive and lengthy”, into the funeral business which had two branches in Hull and one in Beverley. Ashes and 35 bodies were removed from Legacy ‘s Hessle Road premises during the investigation. In July 2024, officers confirmed they had identified more than 160 families linked to the recovered ashes.
Mr Bush faces 30 counts of preventing a lawful burial and 30 counts of fraud by false representation in relation to bodies found at the Legacy’s Hessle Road site. He is also charged with two counts of fraud by false representation, fraudulent trading in relation to funeral plans, another count of fraud by false representation, and a charge of alleged theft from a number of charities including The Salvation Army, Macmillan Cancer Support, CHIEF, the Dogs Trust, Dove House, Help for Heroes, Maister Lodge, Oakwood Dog Rescue, RNLI, Sailors Children’s Charity, WISHH and Hull Fishing Heritage Charity. He will next appear in court in October.
The independent charity Victim Support continues to run a dedicated helpline and support service for anyone affected by the incident on 0808 281 1136, or visit Legacy Funeral Homes Investigation | Affected by Crime .