We understand that choosing a memorial is a difficult and very personal decision. We have put together the following information to help you with the process and answer some of the questions you may have.
We make each memorial individually and to your exact requirements. The designs shown within our brochure are from our own exclusive range with all elements completely interchangeable. For example, any lawn type memorial can be made with any kerb surround. Our design service can help you create a bespoke memorial incorporating ideas of your own. This service is free of charge and at no additional cost. Our showroom in Charlton offers different designs, material and finishes for you to view before making your final decision.
We use the finest stone sourced from all over the world. In general, for cemeteries, all types of stone are permitted. For churchyards only stone sympathetic to its surroundings such as Portland or Nabresina will usually be permitted. Some churchyards will allow light grey granite with a matt finish.
The most durable and hard wearing material and requires very little maintenance. We offer 13 different colours including black, grey, red, blue, green and brown. It can be highly polished to a mirror finish or honed to a matt finish.
A hard wearing material but softer than granite which lends itself well to more intricate carvings. We do not recommend marble when it is to be placed close to trees as dirt and wet leaves will stain.
An Italian limestone which is cream in appearance with small flecks running through. It is often used for memorials placed in churchyards.
A British limestone quarried in Dorset which is light in colour. It is a soft material that over time gives an aged appearance. It is mostly used in churchyards.
We understand how difficult it can be to put your thoughts and feelings about the person you are lovingly commemorating into words. We have compiled a selection of verses and texts to help you from page 77. If you are unable to find the right sentiment, we can offer help and guidance. Depending on the material you chose, we offer the following lettering finishes: 23.5ct gold leaf (gilded), white, silver or black enamel paint or leaded (marble only). We have examples of different lettering finishes and font options on page 76. We have several fonts we can use, just let us know when ordering if you have a specific type in mind.
You may wish to add a special artwork or photo plaque. We show a small selection within our brochure so if you are unable to find exactly what you are looking for please let us know. We also create bespoke artwork designs, please contact us to discuss your ideas.
Being a BRAMM accredited company means that we comply completely with the high standards and regulations set out within the codes of practice for all memorial masonry work and professional conduct. Our staff are highly trained and our memorial fixers have been formally assessed and licensed by BRAMM. We use approved ground anchor support systems for lawn type memorials and additional support bearers for traditional kerb memorials to assist with the reduction of settlement. For further information on our fixing methods, please refer to our safety notice on page 2. We provide a 30 year guarantee against our fixing – component to component (excluding settlement) and as part of our service we will re-level the memorial (if required) once within the first 2 years free of charge.
To place a new memorial or carry out any work within a cemetery or churchyard a permit must be applied for. Most Cemetery Authorities and Churchyards have their own regulations as to what they will, or will not allow. On receipt of your enquiry we will contact the council/church authority to confirm that your order will be approved. Where necessary, we will advise you of any alterations required in order to comply with the regulations. As part of our service we will complete and submit the application on your behalf; however it must be signed by the registered owner of the grave. If you are unsure of the ownership, or have any questions regarding permits or regulations please let us know and we will be happy to advise you.
You can contact us to discuss your requirements by telephone, email or by using the enquiry form online. You can also visit us at our factory in Charlton, whichever is most convenient for you. We will send you confirmation of your order along with a sketch of the final design and the permit application form for signature. Prior to cutting the inscription, we will send a lettering proof, which is computer generated to scale for your final approval.
From receipt of your signed paperwork and deposit we anticipate completion within 12-16 weeks. We will confirm the approximate delivery time on your order form but if you have any queries at all, please feel free to ask prior to ordering.
We require a deposit of 50% + the cemetery/churchyard permit fee. The remaining balance is payable upon completion within 14 days of our final invoice. We accept payment by credit/debit card, cheque or cash.
We offer specialised memorial cover through Stoneguard, which is underwritten by Royal Sun Alliance Insurance PLC. Policies start from as little as £5.60 per year depending on the value of memorial you wish to insure. It covers occurrences such as theft, damage, vandalism, storm damage and subsidence. Please contact us if you have any questions or wish to obtain a quotation.
The areas we supply memorials and headstones include, Greater London, North London, South London, South East London, East London, West London, Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridge, Northampton, Suffolk, Norfolk, Oxford, Berkshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucester, Worcester, Birmingham, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Nottingham, Leicester, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Yorkshire or to view the map click Areas we Supply.