Churchyards have a strong sense of history, continuity, and local character. A memorial placed within one should respect that setting and meet the requirements that help to protect it.
A. Burslem & Son has worked in churchyards across the South East and beyond for 145 years. We take time to understand the churchyard, the person being remembered, and what feels right for you.
From there, we help you choose a memorial that belongs naturally in its surroundings and meets the necessary requirements.
The Church of England has specific rules for memorials within its churchyards. These vary locally and some churchyards have further guidelines, not covered within general regulations. In addition, some churchyards are maintained by local authorities and so are managed differently.
Regulations are usually complicated, and can be confusing, but rest assured we will be able to guide you as to what is allowed in each specific situation and manage the approvals process for you.
These regulations may typically cover:
Many churchyards favour natural stones such as limestone or sandstone because of the way they settle into their surroundings and weather over time.
Selected granites may also be accepted in some settings, depending on the churchyard and its regulations.
We will explain which stones are suitable for the particular churchyard, as well as how they differ in appearance, texture and the way they are likely to age.
Lettering often carries much of a memorial’s character.
We offer both hand-cut and machine-cut lettering, with the layout prepared around the shape of the stone, the wording of the inscription and the requirements of the churchyard.
Crosses, religious symbols and other carved details can be considered where they are appropriate and permitted. These can be quietly incorporated into the design rather than made overly prominent.
Churchyard memorials may require attention over time.
We provide restoration and cleaning services, as well as additional inscriptions, ensuring any future work remains consistent with the original memorial and its setting.
If you would like to talk through what would be suitable for a particular churchyard, you are welcome to visit our showroom or speak with us.
We will explain what is possible and help you approach things in a considered way.
