Tombstones, Headstones & Gravestones

In the UK people often use all three words for the same thing: the stone that marks a grave. Stonemasons and cemeteries may say “memorial” or “headstone” in paperwork. For a fuller read on wording, see our headstone vs gravestone guide. What matters most is the shape, size and material that your burial ground allows, not the word you use when you enquire.

A lawn memorial is an upright headstone designed for a lawn cemetery section, usually with a small foundation and a neat grassed surround. Some people say “headstone” or “gravestone” for both. Full upright stones in older or traditional sections can sometimes be taller or wider, subject to local rules. Your cemetery’s application pack usually shows permitted sizes per section.

Price depends on stone size and thickness, granite colour, inscription length and technique, carved detail, vases or photo plaques, and compliant fixing. Kerb memorials and large upright designs typically use more material and labour than compact lawn memorials or cremation tablets. See our gravestone prices in the UK page for a breakdown of cost drivers, then request a written quotation for your cemetery section.

Every cemetery or churchyard publishes rules for section height, materials, finishes and fixing. We check those requirements with you before design is finalised so your chosen memorial can be approved and installed correctly. See our cemetery regulations guide and permission for a gravestone in the UK for applications and faculties.

You can explore designs and request quotations online, but memorials must match local rules and be fixed by competent installers. We supply craftsmanship aligned with recognised practice and help coordinate paperwork and fixing where required, so the stone you choose is suitable for the grave and the cemetery.

No. Burial grounds expect memorials to be set by competent fixers using foundations and anchors that meet their rules and recognised industry practice. DIY installation risks refusal, safety liability if a stone shifts, and may void warranties. We arrange professional fixing with the cemetery’s agreed method.

Often not. Churchyards frequently have stricter rules on height, materials and finishes to protect the character of consecrated ground. Council and private cemeteries vary by site and by section. Always use the regulations for the exact section where the grave lies, not a general brochure from another burial ground.

Only when your cemetery or churchyard allows fixing, typically after any required settlement period following burial, and always after memorial approval. Some sites restrict fixing seasons or weekdays. See how long gravestone installation takes for permit, manufacture and fixing phases in plain English.

Lead times depend on permission queues, design complexity, material availability and inscription work. Many orders fall roughly between about four and twenty weeks end-to-end once compliant approval and deposit are in place, but faculties, bespoke carving or busy diaries can run longer. We confirm your timeline in writing when you enquire.

The exclusive right of burial or grave deed usually names a grave owner who can apply for memorial permission. The family often acts on their behalf. The memorial itself is normally owned by whoever ordered and paid for it, subject to the burial ground’s right to regulate what is placed on the grave. If ownership is disputed, resolve it before ordering an added inscription or replacement.

We have a London showroom and work closely with families in the capital, but we also support memorial supply and related services for many cemeteries across England and Wales. If you are unsure whether we can help at your burial ground, contact us with the cemetery name and we will advise.

Yes, where there is space and the stone is sound. Added inscriptions are common for partners or family members remembered on the same memorial. We match lettering style and finish as closely as practicable. Our inscriptions service page describes the process for new and additional wording.