What You Need To Know

Cost – memorials are available to suit all budgets. Often it is the finish and shape, not the size, which affects the cost and we can advise on the best combination to suit the amount of money you wish to spend. Our prices are fully inclusive of the memorial headstone, base and granite plinth, together with all the letters and fixing materials to the correct British standard. We also take care of administration issues, such as gaining the necessary permissions to erect a memorial. VAT is included.

Value – ensuring customers feel they have value for money is extremely important to us. We use only the best quality materials which may mean we appear more expensive when comparing prices with other providers, but we can promise that our memorials will be much longer lasting and require less maintenance than other cheaper materials.

Our guarantee – we believe we are the first memorial mason in the UK to offer a 30 year stability and material guarantee on any new memorial we erect. This means, in the unlikely event that you have a problem with either the stability or structure of the material, we will make the necessary repairs at our expense. Please note: this does not include “third party action” such as damage from cemetery mowers or vandalism. To cover these aspects, you may wish to consider memorial insurance, please ask us for more details.

Our range – in addition to headstones, we also offer a wide range of ornaments and designs, vases and desks. These can be personalised to each individual, or please talk to us if you would like a completely new design.

Why choose a monumental mason – membership of the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) is your guarantee of quality craftsmanship and value for money. We will ensure your designs are completed to the highest standard and provide an exemplary service from start to finish.

Rules and regulations – all our memorials are produced to the highest possible quality and to adhere to strict Code of Working Practice regulations laid down by NAMM in order to meet British Standard BS 8415. This means the memorials will withstand a force of up to 70kg at the apex – equivalent to two 14 stone men trying to pull the memorial over at the same time.

When can a memorial be erected? – we recommend allowing at least three months for the earth to settle at a graveside. The exception to this is if there is a concrete foundation in place, in which case work can begin immediately. If you wish to choose a memorial sooner rather than later, we will set aside the relevant materials and guarantee the price. We can also send accounts to aid solicitors in the settlement of the estate of the deceased.

What can you have on the memorial? – early memorials tended to be a simple statement showing names and key dates. Today, many reflect a trend towards a much more individual approach and we are often asked to etch not just words, but pictures and images into the granite. Our skilled engravers are able to reproduce almost any shape or design, so please ask us if you would like to discuss your ideas.

Churchyard and Cemetery regulations – many churchyards and cemeteries have strict regulations regarding the size and finish of memorials. We are fully up-to-date with these and will help you ensure your chosen memorial fits within the rules to avoid any undue distress. Permission does need to be sought for all memorials to be erected and we will make all the necessary submissions on your behalf at no extra cost. This website also provides details of cemetery or churchyard fees which may be payable and features a frequently asked questions section about both tombstones and graveyards.

Cleaning and renovations – over the years the gradual action of the weather, the local salt air, the sap, leaves, seeds and berries which fall from overhanging trees and the accumulation of mosses and lichen all have an effect on the condition of the memorials to the loved ones in your family. We offer a full cleaning and renovation service which includes regilding of older gold-leaf lettering, a much-needed re-blacking, the replacement of lost lead letters, or just a thorough clean. Please visit our Cleaning & Renovations page for further information.