Inscription
New inscriptions are difficult to decide on – often it is best to keep it simple and sometimes you will have limited space. If you are not sure we can put together an example on the scale proof which will help you visualise it and allow you to discuss with family to confirm what you do or don’t want to say.
You will also have choices of lettering type and we will be able to advise you on the best options.
With additional insciptions it is easier – normally we would follow the same format that has been used before.

Opening Lines
Often there is an opening line but it is not essential. “In Loving Memory of” is the most commonly used but other options could be:
- “Cherished Memories of”
- “In Remembrance of”
- “With Love We Remember”
- “In Treasured Memory of”
Name
This is followed by the name. You may want to include middle names but this is not essential, particularly if space is limited. If the deceased’s name was Edward but he was known as Ted we can include both names but use speech marks to highlight that “Ted” was his most commonly used name. Likewise we can use the word nee if you want to use a wife’s maiden name.
Date Line
Often then comes the dates, this could simply be year to year
- “1939 – 2023” or
- “2.10.1939 – 15.8.2023” or
- “2nd Oct. 1939 – 15th Aug. 2023” or
- “Born 2nd October 1939, Died 15th August 2023” or
- “Passed away 125th August 2023. Aged 84.”
Personal Description
You may like to have a personal description such as:
- “ A loving Husband, Father and Grandfather”
You may not want to include this, or on memorials such as ashes tablets there may not be room.
Epitaph
There may then be an epitaph such as:
- “Always in our hearts”
- “Rest in Peace”
- “Always loving, always loved”
- To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die”
- “Reunited”
- “Forever in our hearts”
When thinking of the wording it is important to let us know if there is ever going to be another set of details added (is another person going to be buried in the same grave). This means that when we draw up the scale proof we can make allowance in the layout to leave space for another inscription to be added.
Headstone Lettering & Finishing
We are able to offer many different types of lettering styles, but not all are suitable for all types of stone.

Machine Cut letters using the sandblast method.
Sticky back rubber is stuck onto one side of the stone and the inscription cut out, leaving the stone in the letter exposed but the rest of the stone protected by the rubber. High powered grit is then blasted over the rubber which slowly eats away where the stone is exposed. Once the letters have been cut in deep enough the stencil is removed and the now cut out inscription is painted. The letters will have a rounded profile so paint is needed to help them standout. The font can be any style as long as there is enough “meat” to all parts of the letter. If the legs on a “N” for example are too thin they will not stand out. We will advise you on what works best, but if there is something particular you would like then please let us know.

Hand cut letters are self-explanatory.
The letter cutter draws the inscription out onto the stone – this will be a replica of how it was drawn and laid out on the proof we provide. They will then chisel the letter out, giving the letters a “Vee” profile. It is the angel of the vee and the sharp edges that allow natural light to create shadowing in the letters making them easy to read. This can be restricted in bad light or when the stone is wet so paint can be added to make the inscription legible in all conditions.

Flush lead or resin filled letters.
The inscription is usually cut into the stone using the sandblast method. Small holes are then drilled into the back of these letters and strips of lead are then hammered into the cut out letters. The hammering forces the lead into the holes and “keys” it onto the stone. The face of the stone is than sanded smooth leaving the natural dark colour of the lead to highlight the inscription.
It is the same process when the letters are filled with resin. These processes of lettering can only be used on light coloured stones. The advantage is that it requires little maintenance other than cleaning the stone.

Raised lead letters: a very traditional style of lettering.
It can only be used on granite. The letter cutter marks the inscription out of the stone, then within the drawn on letters they drill holes at angles into the stone. Lead is then hammered onto the stone, the hammer causes the lead to squeeze and key into the holes, stitching it to the face of the stone. There is then a squashed layer of lead about 3mm thick over the surface of the inscription. The letter cutter then re-marks out the inscription and using sharp chisels cuts the shape of the letters out of the lead. Black paint is then added to the lead to make the inscription really stand out. It is a long process but creates a very clear, maintenance free inscription.
Additional Inscriptions
The first thing we need is for you to let us know the wording you would like to add. Usually this will follow the same format as the original; name including middle name, dates written as numbers or in full etc. If it is to go on a memorial that we have removed to allow for another burial then we can remind you of what is already written there.
We will measure the memorial noting letter size and line spacing etc and then draw up a scale proof showing the outline shape of the memorial, the existing inscription and the new wording. This will confirm that there is enough space, we will be able to offer suggestions if room is limited. The proof will show the letter shape as closely as possible but when the work is carried out we will ensure that the letters match the existing as closely as possible.
When adding a new inscription we will need to clean the stone, it is also a good opportunity to give the existing letters a refurbishment, this may just be cleaning and repainting, or on older memorials where the stone has worn we may need to re cut some of the letters.
Sometimes when the time comes to add an additional inscription it may become clear that there isn’t enough space to add the words you want, it may be possible for us re face some or all of the stone to alter the layout and create more space. We will be able to advise you if this is an option.