headstones & memorials

headstones memorials in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

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Memorials & Headstones / Choosing a Headstone / Materials / Lettering / Types of Headstones / Burial Ground Regulation / FAQ

memorials & headstones

Memorial headstones & gravestones Bournemouth, Poole

Memorial headstones and memorials in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

Memorial headstones in gravestones Bournemouth, Poole

Memorials and headstones in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

For centuries people all over the world have created memorials to mark in time the passing of a loved one. Because of its beauty and durability, stone has always been the most popular choice and there are literally millions of gravestones and memorials that stand to this day as a lasting statement to celebrate those who have lived and died, leaving behind them their mark on this world.

Because ours is one of the oldest professions and the memorials we produce, by their very nature, are of profound importance. We continually strive to maintain the high standards passed down through the ages, so that others in the future will look upon our craftsmanship the way we acknowledge the legacies from craftsmen in the past.

We trust there are designs to help stimulate the creativeness in all of us, everyone is an individual and for that fact alone, there is no reason why each memorial should not reflect this.

Please take your time when choosing the memorial gravestone for your loved one, it is a lasting symbol of remembrance, and a focal point for your family and friends to visit, to reflect the past, and will behold a special significance to future generations.

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Step by Step Guide to Choosing a Headstone

Creating a Memorial

Step 1. The Shape and Material

Selecting the appropriate shape and material for a headstone is a deeply personal part of commemorating a loved one. The process begins with considering the life, character, and individuality of the person being honoured, as well as the aesthetic and traditions cherished by your family.

Step one is to decide on the shape of the memorial. Traditional forms such as the classic upright or lawn memorials with contemporary shapes—perhaps curved, oval, or even custom silhouettes—allow for greater individuality and expression. Consider what best reflects your loved one’s personality: a graceful arch, a dignified cross, a gentle heart, or a bespoke design inspired by their passions or heritage. Many families find comfort in choosing a shape that holds special meaning, making the memorial a unique tribute.

Once a shape is chosen, material selection is equally significant. The material not only determines the visual impact and feel of the headstone, but also its longevity and maintenance needs. Granite remains a perennial favourite for its strength and range of colours. Marble conveys a sense of classic beauty, though it’s softer and weathers more quickly. Other options include sandstone, limestone, or slate—each with their own charm, durability, and suitability to different climates.

It’s also important to consider the cemetery’s regulations regarding permissible shapes and materials before making your final decision. Take the time to explore samples, view existing memorials, and discuss your ideas with us who will guide you through every step.

Step 2. Lettering

Choosing the right lettering for a headstone is both an art and a heartfelt decision. The inscription not only records key details—such as your loved one’s name, dates, and perhaps a meaningful epitaph—but also shapes how their memory is honoured for generations to come. Begin by selecting a font style: traditional scripts evoke formality and timelessness, while modern or bespoke typefaces reflect individuality. Lettering may be deeply engraved, raised, or even adorned with gilding or colour, each technique lending its own character and visibility.

Consider the size and layout of the text, balancing clarity with aesthetic harmony on the chosen stone. It’s wise to proofread inscriptions carefully and consult with your monumental mason to ensure your words fit both the space and the tone you wish to convey. The choice of language, symbolism, and even decorative flourishes can all add a personal touch, making the headstone a truly meaningful tribute.

Step 3. Personal Touch

Adding a personal touch is the final, deeply meaningful stage in creating a headstone that truly honours your loved one’s life and legacy. This is where you can imbue the memorial with individuality—considering elements such as symbolic carvings, religious or cultural icons, favourite motifs, or even bespoke artwork that reflects their passions, achievements, or beliefs. Thoughtful additions might include a portrait, a favourite poem or lyric, a cherished quote, or images that represent treasured hobbies or affiliations.

You may also wish to incorporate coloured accents, ceramic photos, or decorative borders to enhance the design. Some families choose to engrave emblems of military service or membership of a club, while others might opt for subtle embellishments like floral reliefs, birds, or celestial motifs. These details, however simple or intricate, help ensure the memorial feels as unique as the person it commemorates.

BRAMM Memorial Headstones - Head & Wheble

BRAMM – British Register of Accredited Monumental Masons

Head & Wheble Monumental Masons belong to BRAMM to ensure we maintain high standards of workmanship throughout our workplace to protect clients, burial authorities, and ourselves to supply and produce the best quality memorial as a lasting tribute. Not only will we create a fitting tribute but also ensure that your investment meets the Cemetery rules and regulations.

QUALITY ASSURED WITH BRAMM

To find out more about our Memorial Headstones and Gravestone Maintenance services in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and the surrounding Dorset areas, or to book an appointment, please call us at 01202 551190 or complete our enquiry form below.

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materials

granite

Granite is renowned for its exceptional strength, timeless beauty, and enduring resilience, making it one of the most popular choices for memorial headstones and monuments. Quarried from deep within the earth, each slab of granite boasts a unique pattern of crystalline textures and subtle shades, ranging from elegant blacks and greys to vibrant blues, reds, and greens. It’s remarkable resistance to weathering, fading, and staining ensures that inscriptions and carvings remain sharp and legible for generations with minimal maintenance required. The versatility of granite allows for a wide array of finishes—from polished, mirror-like surfaces that reflect the sky, to gently honed textures that exude understated grace. As a material, granite provides both a dignified tribute and lasting durability, honouring memories with strength and grace.

sandstone

Sandstone evokes a sense of gentle warmth and natural charm, cherished for its soft, earthy tones and subtle, layered textures. Formed over millennia, each piece of sandstone bears unique variations in colour—ranging from pale creams and honeyed ambers to muted ochres and warm reds—imbuing every memorial with an individual character. Its fine-grained surface is ideal for precise carving and intricate detailing, bringing both artistry and clarity to inscriptions. While sandstone requires a little more care than some harder stones, its organic beauty and timeless appeal make it a fitting tribute for those who appreciate nature’s quiet elegance.

Limestone

Limestone is admired for its gentle, calming appearance, offering soft hues of cream and grey that bring a subtle sense of peace to any memorial. Its smooth and softer qualities with a fine-grained texture allows for precise carving, ensuring names and messages are beautifully preserved. The stone’s versatility means it can be shaped into both classic and modern designs, making it a fitting choice for a variety of commemorative styles.

Limestone’s natural durability helps it withstand the elements, while its understated elegance offers a quiet dignity, perfectly suited for honouring cherished memories. These qualities—combined with its ability to capture detailed lettering and ornamentation—make limestone a popular and respected material for headstones, chosen by those who value a tranquil and enduring tribute.

marble

Marble is renowned for its timeless elegance, luminous surface, and beautifully subtle veining, making it a distinguished choice for memorial headstones and monuments. Valued for centuries in art and architecture, marble’s veining and texture allows for crisp, detailed carving and exquisite sculptural work—ensuring that inscriptions and motifs appear with clarity and grace. Its natural sheen gently reflects the light, creating a tranquil, reverent atmosphere in any memorial setting.

Marble is chosen for memorials not only for its visual magnificence but also for the symbolism it carries purity, honour, and enduring remembrance. While it requires thoughtful care to maintain its lustre, marble remains a beloved material for those seeking to commemorate loved ones.

slate

Slate is valued for its striking depth of dark colours, offering a refined presence through deep, rich tones that range from charcoal and heather to subtle blue-grey and green. Its naturally smooth texture allows for crisp, intricate hand carving, ensuring that inscriptions and motifs remain clearly legible over time. Highly resistant to weathering and environmental wear, slate stands the test of time with remarkable resilience.

Selected for memorials because of its dignified elegance and durability, slate provides a quiet sophistication that complements both modern and historic settings. Its unique ability to showcase detailed lettering and designs means that memories are preserved.

Lettering

Here is a selection of lettering styles (fonts) more commonly used when inscribing memorials, when choosing a colour to go with your choice of material it is worth bearing in mind that light colours do not stand out on light materials, and of course the same applies for the dark colours on dark materials, in essence you require a good contrast.

Hand Cut

Hand Cut lettering gives you the more traditional V cut shape. This example is cut into Slate, on light materials these letters can be painted to show clarity.

Everlasting or Relief Carving

The background area to the letters is removed leaving the letters raised within a panel, they are virtually maintenance free.

Raised lead

These letters stand proud on the surface of the stone, this method is most commonly used on granite and very hard stones. They are not stuck on. Firstly holes are drilled into the stone behind the letters, the lead is then beaten on to the stone and as it is soft, a proportion of it is pushed into the drill holes, this in turn acts as an anchor to hold the letters in place, the remaining surface lead is then trimmed to shape as required, this can then be painted or gilded.

Hand Cut

Hand Cut lettering gives you the more traditional V cut shape. This example is cut into Slate, on light materials these letters can be painted to show clarity.

Everlasting or Relief Carving

The background area to the letters is removed leaving the letters raised within a panel, they are virtually maintenance free.

Headstone Wording/Inscriptions

This is a list of inscription examples, phrases, and introductions to assist with selecting wording for a headstone inscription.

Complete Inscriptions

IN EVER LOVING MEMORY OF
A DEAR HUSBAND, FATHER, GRANDFATHER
GRENVILLE. D. BONCE
1931-2008

TREASURED MEMORIES OF
OUR DEAR MOTHER
ESME WARD
WHO PASSED AWAY ON
24TH JANUARY 1960
AGED 85 YEARS

Farewell Phrases

AT REST
FOREVER REMEMBERED
REST IN PEACE
SIMPLY THE BEST
IN GOD’S KEEPING
THY WILL BE DONE
FOREVER IN OUR THOUGHTS
LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
GONE FROM US BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
SO DEARLY LOVED, SO SADLY MISSED
TOO DEARLY LOVED TO BE FORGOTTEN
ONLY GOODNIGHT MY BELOVED NOT FAREWELL
TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WE LOVE IS NOT TO DIE
IN OUR MINDS A CONSTANT THOUGHT, IN OUR HEARTS A SILENT SORROW
TO THE WORLD HE/SHE WAS JUST A PART, TO ME HE/SHE WAS THE WHOLE WORLD
HIS/HER LIFE A BEAUTIFUL MEMORY,
HIS/HER ABSENCE A SILENT GRIEF

Introductions

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF

CHERISHED MEMORIES

Types of headstones

traditional

Also known as ‘Kerb Memorials’ typically featuring an upright stone marking the grave, often accompanied by a surrounding border or kerbing that defines the grave plot. The kerbing is usually made of stone or metal and helps contain the grave area, which may include plants, flowers, stone chippings or concealed by stone entirely. Kerb memorials are larger and more ornate than other headstone styles, offering a decorative and structured space for remembrance. Traditional Memorials can also span across 2 grave spaces adjacent to each to each other creating a ‘double sited’ traditional headstone.

Cremation

A cremation headstone is a memorial designed to honour someone whose remains have been cremated. It typically includes a compartment or space to hold the cremated ashes, sometimes integrated into the headstone itself or most commonly buried in the grave beneath. Some headstones also serve dual purposes, accommodating both cremated remains and traditional burials, or providing space for multiple family members. This type of memorial offers a respectful, permanent tribute that combines the tradition of headstones with the needs of cremation.

childrens memorials

Children’s memorials are thoughtfully designed to honour treasured lives that end too soon. These memorials often feature gentle shapes or motifs—such as angels, teddy bears, stars, or hearts—reflecting the innocence and spirit of a child. Crafted from enduring materials like granite, marble, or even slate, each memorial can be personalised with heartfelt inscriptions, vibrant accents, or subtle carvings that celebrate unique memories. Whether simple or intricately detailed, children’s memorials provide a peaceful, comforting space for remembrance, offering families a lasting tribute that speaks to love, hope, and cherished moments.

lawn

A lawn headstone consists of two separate designs, Monolith (A single piece of material placed straight into the ground with the foundations and anchor systems submerged). The second Design is a combination of an upright headstone and base with the foundations laid flush with the grass level or ground. Many lawn style headstone’s have an upright stone, but some may be flat or slightly raised designed for cemeteries with well-maintained, landscaped grounds. The design ensures a uniform, tidy appearance in the cemetery, making it easier to maintain the lawn grass and navigate the space. Lawn headstones are chosen for their ease of access for visitors, and the ability to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

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Burial Ground Regulation

What are regulations?

Burial grounds in the UK have very specific rules and regulations we must adhere to in order to be granted permission to erect a headstone. The applicant(s) must be in ownership of the grave before we apply to the burial authority to be granted permission. There is always a cost for the Burial grounds to allow such a memorial to be erected on their land, this varies depending on the proposed works intended.

Please find information below of the rules and regulations for our local Cemeteries & Churchyards.

BCP Cemeteries

The BCP Council Cemetery Regulations refer to the rules and guidelines set by the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council to manage and maintain the cemeteries within its jurisdiction. These regulations are important for ensuring the safe, respectful, and organised use of cemetery spaces, which are often public and used for burials and memorials. Key aspects of BCP Council Cemetery Regulations typically include:

Burial Procedures: These regulations outline the proper procedures for burial, including the types of plots available, who is eligible for burial, and the required documentation or permissions needed.

Memorials and Gravestones: Guidelines are set for the size, material, and design of memorials to ensure they are appropriate and safe. There are rules regarding the installation, maintenance, and removal of gravestones and other memorial structures to avoid hazards and preserve the aesthetic quality of the cemetery.

Maintenance and Upkeep: The regulations establish responsibilities for both the council and grave owners in maintaining the cemetery grounds. This includes grass cutting, keeping pathways clear, and ensuring graves are properly maintained.

Health and Safety: The regulations cover safety issues, such as ensuring that headstones are secure, that cemetery paths are clear, and that the burial site is accessible to all visitors, including those with mobility issues. Respect for the Environment: There are often guidelines regarding planting on graves, as well as restrictions on items like fencing, to ensure the cemetery remains neat, cohesive, and environmentally sustainable.

Visitor Conduct: The regulations include rules for the behaviour of visitors to the cemetery, ensuring that the space remains respectful and peaceful for families, mourners, and the general public.

These regulations are important because they help maintain the dignity of the cemetery, prevent misuse, ensure public safety, and preserve the cemetery as a tranquil and respectful space for the remembrance of the deceased.

Diocese Of Salisbury

The Salisbury Diocese Churchyard Regulations are important because they help maintain the dignity, safety, and aesthetic quality of churchyards, which are often historical and sacred spaces. These regulations ensure that the graves, memorials, and landscaping are well-maintained, respectful of the environment, and in line with the Church’s values. They provide clear guidelines for the types of memorials allowed, managing the upkeep of churchyards, and preserving their heritage. By establishing these rules, the regulations protect the churchyard from clutter, ensure health and safety standards, and respect the traditions of the Christian faith.

Diocese of Winchester

The Diocese of Winchester Churchyard Regulations are required to ensure the preservation, safety, and respect of churchyards, which are both sacred and historically significant spaces. These regulations provide clear guidelines for the management of memorials, graves, and landscaping, helping to maintain the integrity and aesthetic of the churchyard. They ensure that memorials are appropriate, safe, and in line with Church teachings, while also preventing clutter or damage to the environment. By enforcing these rules, the Diocese protects the churchyard from potential misuse, promotes orderly maintenance, and upholds the dignity of the burial space for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long does it take to order a headstone?

We have a small selection of popular memorials in stock that can be erected within 8 weeks from the point of order. However most of headstone’s are bespoke made to order and can take 3-4 months from point of order to completing.

Why do I need to pay a Cemetery/Churchyard Fee

The Burial Authority or Churchyard enforces regulations to maintain the burial ground and ensure its safety. These rules include overseeing the types of headstones allowed in the area. Monumental Masons assist by submitting application forms for headstone designs to obtain permits for placing memorials.

What is the payment process?

To confirm the order, we require a 50% deposit. The final cost will be confirmed prior to completion and our invoice is sent to you for settlement once the headstone has been fixed and you are happy.

Can I add additional inscriptions or features to an existing headstone?

Yes, it is possible to add further inscriptions or features to an existing headstone, such as names, dates, verses, or emblems/motifs. The process involves submitting an additional application for approval, as any alterations must comply with the regulations of the cemetery or churchyard. Once permission is granted, we can proceed to remove the headstone back to our works department to carry out the works aiming to match the original style and finish for a unified appearance where possible.

What happens to my family headstone when it is removed for a second interment/burial?

The headstone is safely stored at our workshop until additional works have been completed, and the headstone is re-fixed.

What should I do if the memorial is damaged or needs repair?

When visiting the cemetery next, photograph the headstone so you have an up to date copy for your files. Contact your local stonemason to engage their services and request a quote. Supply them with the necessary details including a photograph, this will be helpful for the stonemason visiting the burial ground to locate the headstone to carry out a full report on the work required.

Is it possible to pre-arrange a memorial in advance?

We can discuss with you everything you need to know to make an informed decision regarding memorialisation when planning ahead. We can confirm the design, inscription and material. Just bear in mind most materials we use for headstone’s are quarried from earth’s natural resources and may not be available in the future.

Are there specific regulations for headstones in my cemetery or churchyard?

Yes, there are differing specific regulations for Cemeteries and Churchyards. See our page Burial Ground Regulations for more information.

How do I submit an application for approval of a headstone design?

As part of our service, we will guide you through the application process and submit the relevant document to the authorities once the headstone design, material and inscription has been confirmed. The registered grave owner or confirmed next of kin will need to sign the application form.

Are there restrictions on the size or style of headstones?

There are parameters set by each burial ground with a maximum width, depth and height we must adhere to. The type of grave will also determine the regulation size.

Can I include images, photographs, or personal designs on the memorial?

Certainly, there are several options available for incorporating images or motifs, which will be reviewed in detail during your initial headstone consultation.

How do I maintain or clean a headstone?

The finish and material of the headstone will determine the correct method and/or solution to use. We have put together a guide to give you pointers and help with cleaning your family grave.

Can I visit the cemetery to select the location for the headstone?

If you have not already purchased the exclusive right of burial for a grave or have a family plot allocated. Prior to the funeral taking place, you can choose the grave you would like based on availability within the burial ground. Some burial grounds will allow you to pre- purchase the grave in advance and your options will be made available to you by the burial authority. It is best to contact them direct to book an appointment to choose a grave.

How do I choose the inscription for the memorial?

Choosing an inscription is a deeply personal decision, reflecting the individuality of the person being commemorated. Our aim is to support you through this process, offering guidance and suggestions to help you find the words that best honour the deceased. Typically, several drafts are created to explore different options and ensure the final inscription truly captures the sentiment you wish to convey.

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