Memorials

A memorial stone or plaque offers a meaningful way to honour the life of someone special while marking their final resting place with dignity and care.

Timing

Memorial stones can only be installed once a grave has had time to settle. This can take up to 12 months for a standard coffin burial and up to five years for a shroud or timber burial.

Selecting a stone mason

To ensure the safety of visitors and staff within Brookwood Cemetery, only stone masons who are part of our Memorial Mason Registration Scheme can carry out work in the cemetery.

This scheme is designed to ensure that any work involved with the installation, removal or renovation of memorials is carried out safely, by people who are not only competent but also who are suitably insured and working to nationally recognised standards.

Choosing a memorial 

Memorials must conform to the specific standards set for each type of grave. These standards relate to design, size and fixing method.

Stone masons registered with our Memorial Mason Registration Scheme will be aware of our requirements and can help advise you. 

Applying for a Memorial Permit 

The details of each proposed memorial must be submitted to the Brookwood Cemetery Manager using the Memorial Permit Application Form. 

This needs to be completed by the applicant, stone mason and the grave owner (if different from the person applying). 

After the application form has been checked and associated fees paid, we will issue a permit. 

Installing a memorial 

When your memorial stone is ready, your appointed stone mason will liaise directly with us to agree a date and time for installation.  

Holding a memorial event

The installation of a memorial stone is opportunity to bring friends and family together in memory of your loved one.

Our chapel in the North Cemetery is a convenient venue with a toilet and easy parking.   

Maintaining your memorial

The maintenance and insurance of the memorial is the responsibility of the grave owner. We accept no responsibility for loss or damage to the memorial.

If for any reason the memorial becomes unstable or dilapidated, we reserve the right to lay flat or remove and dispose of the memorial, subject to giving one month’s written notice of the intention to do so to the owner at their last known address. 

We offer bespoke maintenance plans and can look after your grave and memorial for you. Please contact the Cemetery Office for further information.