Churchyard Memorials
Honouring Tradition with Thoughtful Craftsmanship
Churchyard memorials hold a special place in preserving the memory of a loved one, offering a timeless and peaceful tribute within sacred grounds.
At County Stone Memorials, our experienced stonemasons specialise in creating bespoke headstones and memorials designed to honour tradition while reflecting individuality.
Using traditional stonemasonry techniques and high-quality materials, we ensure each memorial complies with churchyard regulations and is carefully inscribed to stand the test of time.
- Exceptional quality
- Handcrafted memorials
- 30+ years of experience
- Trusted by hundreds of customers
Family Owned
As a family-run business, we understand how important a meaningful tribute is. Every memorial is handled with sensitivity, respect, and a deep commitment to craftsmanship.
Unrivalled Value
We combine premium materials, expert stonemasonry, and transparent pricing to deliver outstanding value. There are no hidden costs, just enduring quality at a fair price.
Personal Approach
We take the time to understand your wishes. From the first call to final fitting, you’ll receive empathetic guidance and attentive service, tailored to your needs.
Bespoke Churchyard Memorials by County Stone
Crafted with Care and Expertise
At County Stone Memorials, we understand the importance of creating a lasting and meaningful tribute to your loved ones. With over 20 years of experience in stonemasonry, our skilled team specialises in crafting bespoke churchyard memorials that reflect the life, love, and legacy of those they honour.
Combining traditional techniques with modern precision, we design and handcraft memorials using only the highest quality materials. Whether you’re looking for a simple headstone or a fully bespoke design, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
- Outstanding craftsmanship
- Local & committed service
What Are Churchyard Memorials?
Churchyard memorials are gravestones, headstones, or plaques located in the grounds of a churchyard. These memorials serve as a place for remembrance, reflection, and comfort for loved ones.
At County Stone Memorials, we offer a range of churchyard memorials, including upright headstones, cremation plaques, ledger stones, and monumental crosses. Each piece is handcrafted to comply with churchyard regulations while maintaining its artistic and sentimental value.
Our Churchyard Memorial Products
Materials for Churchyard Memorials
We work exclusively with premium natural stones, ensuring durability, beauty, and compliance with churchyard regulations.
- Limestone Headstones: Soft and classic, limestone complements churchyard settings beautifully.
- Sandstone Headstones: Natural and warm, sandstone blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.
- Slate Headstones: Known for its elegant appearance and durability, slate is an excellent choice for intricate carvings and inscriptions, perfect for a striking yet traditional memorial.
- Nabresina Headstones: Nabresina stone is a durable, fine-grained Italian limestone, ideal for detailed designs and inscriptions, offering a smooth and refined finish.
- Purbeck Headstones: Purbeck stone is a durable, natural limestone quarried from the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, England. Its unique texture and earthy tones make it a popular choice for traditional memorials.
Our materials are ethically sourced, including locally quarried Purbeck stone and premium stones from trusted European suppliers, ensuring every memorial is crafted to the highest standards.
Personalised Design Options for Your Memorial
Every memorial we create is as unique as the life it commemorates. We offer a wide range of customisation options to ensure your tribute reflects your loved one’s personality and legacy.
Inscriptions & Engravings
Add names, dates, epitaphs, or heartfelt personal messages using precision-engraved lettering. Choose from a variety of fonts and finishes to suit your vision.
Decorative Carvings
Enhance your memorial with intricate carvings, such as religious symbols, floral motifs, or artistic patterns.
Bespoke Shapes & Designs
Collaborate with our skilled stonemasons to create a completely unique memorial that reflects your family’s wishes and the individuality of your loved one.
Navigating Churchyard Regulations
We understand that navigating churchyard regulations can be a complex and emotional process. That’s why we’re here to handle the details for you, ensuring your memorial complies with all requirements while maintaining its beauty and meaning.
Church Authority Approval
We liaise directly with church authorities to obtain the necessary permits on your behalf, saving you time and stress.
Material & Size Restrictions
Our team will guide you through the regulations specific to your churchyard, including approved materials, dimensions, and design styles.
Installation Guidelines
All memorials are installed with precision and care, adhering to churchyard rules and ensuring they remain a lasting tribute.
Why Choose County Stone Memorials?
Over 30 Years of Expertise
As a family-run business with decades of experience, we bring unparalleled craftsmanship and care to every memorial we create.
Premium Materials
We work with only the highest quality stones, ensuring every memorial is as durable as it is beautiful.
Personalised Service
From design to installation, we provide compassionate and tailored support, putting your needs at the heart of everything we do.
Trusted Reputation
With countless satisfied clients across the South East, our reputation for reliability, integrity, and exceptional service speaks for itself.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Churchyard Memorial
Creating a meaningful tribute for your loved one begins with a conversation.
At County Stone Memorials, we are honoured to help you create a lasting and personal memorial that truly reflects the life and legacy of your loved one.
- 01243 544770
- Lucy@countystonegranite.co.uk
- Units 4 & 7, Home Farm Industrial Estate, Tye Lane, Walberton, West Sussex, BN18 0LU
We respect your privacy. Read our Privacy Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to create a headstone or memorial?
The timeframe for creating a memorial typically ranges from 10 to 20 weeks, depending on material availability and the complexity of the design. We will provide an estimated timeline during the consultation process and keep you updated throughout the project.
Can I customise the design of a memorial?
Yes, we offer bespoke memorial design services to ensure your tribute reflects the individuality of your loved one. From custom shapes and decorative carvings to unique inscriptions, our skilled stonemasons can bring your vision to life.
What materials can I choose for a churchyard memorial?
We offer a variety of premium materials, including granite, marble, slate, limestone, Portland stone, and Nabresina. Each material is chosen for its durability and beauty, and we can advise on the best option based on your preferences and any churchyard regulations.
Are there restrictions for headstones in churchyards or cemeteries?
Yes, most cemeteries, churchyards, and crematoriums have specific rules regarding the size, material, and design of headstones. These regulations aim to maintain a uniform and respectful appearance within the grounds.
At County Stone Memorials, we assist with navigating these rules and handle all necessary applications and approvals on your behalf, ensuring the memorial complies with local requirements.
Who installs the headstone at the cemetery or churchyard?
Once your headstone or memorial stone is complete, County Stone Memorials will deliver and professionally install it at the chosen cemetery or churchyard. We ensure the installation complies with all relevant guidelines and is carried out with care and precision.
What options are available for decorating a headstone?
There are many ways to personalise and decorate a headstone, including saddle arrangements, vases for flowers, or other seasonal touches. Decorations can reflect the personality of your loved one, and certain options may work better depending on the time of year.
How are gravestones engraved?
At County Stone Memorials, we use two primary methods to engrave gravestones and memorial stones:
- Hand-Cut Lettering: This traditional method involves sketching the words onto the stone and cutting them in a V-shape, creating depth and shadow for a classic, artistic effect.
- Sandblasted Lettering: This modern method produces precise and uniform lettering. A design is created on a computer, then cut into vinyl tape, which is applied to the stone. The letters are blasted onto the surface for a clean and professional finish.
Some lettering styles may be restricted depending on the finish of the stone. Our team will guide you to choose the best combination for your memorial.
How do I polish a granite headstone?
After cleaning a granite headstone, you can polish it by using a clean, dry cloth to remove water spots or streaks. This simple process will help maintain the headstone’s shine and appearance.
How do I clean moss from a headstone?
Cleaning moss from a headstone depends on the type of stone used. Some materials can react to cleaning products, so it’s essential to proceed with care.
For a simple and safe method, use soap and water, which is gentle enough for most stones. You can also carefully use a sanding blade or a wallpaper stripping tool to lightly scrape away moss without damaging the stone.
For the best results, consider hiring a professional headstone cleaner. They will have the expertise and appropriate tools to ensure the memorial is cleaned safely and effectively while preserving its integrity.
