New lettering

Additional Headstone Inscriptions

Add a name, dates or message to an existing memorial.

Close-up of a memorial mason hand-cutting a serif letter into stone
Hand-cut serif lettering in progress.

Start with a photograph

Send one clear front-on image of the whole memorial. The wording does not need to be final.

See the quote before work

Review the written quote before anything is arranged.

Arrange everything remotely

Send the photograph and cemetery details from home.

Lettering in progress

Adding new lettering with care

Each new line needs to sit comfortably with the lettering already on the memorial. These photographs show hand-cut letters being set out, carved and finished in the stone.

Shaping the letters

Marked letterforms guiding hand-cut memorial lettering work
Marked outlines guide the placement and spacing.

Finishing by hand

A memorial mason hand-finishing lettering on a dark stone memorial
The mason finishing each letter by hand.

Before we quote

What we need to check first

A clear photograph helps us see the space available and the condition of the stone. We can then tell you what else we need before advising on the lettering and price.

Space and condition

Space for the new wording and any work the stone needs first.

Style and finish

The shape, spacing, depth and finish of the existing lettering.

Location and access

The memorial’s location and access for carrying out the work.

Permission and authority

Application steps and any authorisation needed.

Matching matters

How we match new lettering to the existing inscription

Close-up of a hand-cut serif letter showing its shape and depth
A close-up showing the shape and depth of a hand-cut letter.

We compare the shape, spacing, depth and finish of the existing letters before suggesting a method and layout. Where the stone and space allow, the new wording should read as part of the same memorial.

What happens next

How your inscription is arranged

Send the details

Send a clear photograph of the whole memorial, its location and your proposed wording if it is ready.

or book a quote visit

We check the memorial

We check the available space, stone condition and existing lettering, along with the likely steps for getting permission.

You approve the proposal

You review the wording, layout and written quote before the work is arranged.

We complete the work and send photographs

We’ll confirm the expected timescale before you go ahead and send photographs when the work is complete.

Guide pricing

Additional inscription prices

Sandblasted lettering

£6.50per character

£325 minimum charge, covering up to 50 characters.

Hand-cut lettering

£22.50per character

Matched to the existing lettering where possible.

We’ll talk through the work with you, then send a detailed quote showing the full price, VAT and any additional charges.

Permission and ownership

You do not need to know the paperwork before getting in touch

Cemeteries and churchyards can have different rules for additional inscriptions. GraveClean can check the likely route and explain what information is needed.

The registered owner or rights holder may still need to sign or authorise the application. If you are unsure who that is, say so in the enquiry and the position can be checked before the work progresses.

Request your inscription quote

Questions before you enquire

Additional inscription FAQs

Can you match the existing lettering?

That is the aim. We compare the letter shape, size, spacing, depth and finish before recommending the most suitable method. A clear front-on photograph helps us make the first assessment.

Do I need permission for an additional inscription?

Cemeteries and churchyards usually have their own requirements. We check the likely route and explain what is needed. The registered grave owner or rights holder may still need to authorise the application.

Do I need to attend the cemetery?

In many cases, we can start the assessment with photographs and location details. We’ll confirm whether we need anything else before arranging the work.

What if I have not finalised the wording?

You can still send the memorial photograph and location. Add the proposed wording only if it is ready. Nothing should be treated as final until the wording and layout have been checked with you.

How is the price calculated?

We’ll look at the memorial and talk through what you’d like, then send a detailed written quote. It will explain the full price, what is included and any other charges before you decide.

What photograph should I send?

Start with one clear, front-on photograph showing the whole memorial. You can also include close-up images of the existing lettering or any areas you would like GraveClean to check.

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A simple next step

Send a photo for a quote or speak to our team

Send a photograph online, or call to talk through the details. We’ll provide a quote for you to review before you decide whether to go ahead.