Book Headstones
Explore our finely crafted memorials, skillfully sculpted by experienced master stonemasons with a legacy that stretches back many years. These elegantly designed memorials are an ideal choice for cemeteries in Newport and the surrounding areas. Delve into the essence of what we have to offer below.
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Book Headstone Range
Choosing the Perfect Book Headstone
Book Headstone Materials & Colours
Fine Craft Etching for Book Headstones
Why Choose Us for your Book Headstone
Book Headstone Installation Services
Memorial Services
Book Headstone FAQs
Memorial Blog
Our Book Headstone Range
Choosing book-inspired headstones has become a popular option for those looking to create a unique and heartfelt tribute to their beloved individuals.
At Thornhill Memorials, our team of highly skilled memorial artisans is proficient in the meticulous crafting and inscription of various book-shaped tombstones. Each one is carefully designed to serve as a profound testament to the enduring memory of your loved one.
We provide a range of pre-designed book styles for your consideration, or we are ready to work closely with you to create a custom masterpiece that authentically captures the essence of your loved one’s life and lasting legacy. Our unwavering commitment to precision craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail ensures that your book-inspired memorial will stand as a fitting tribute destined to endure for generations to come.
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White Marble Book Memorial with Carved Angel
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Blue Pearl Granite Book Memorial with Carved Cord & Tassel and Shaped Pages
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Dark Grey Granite Raised Tablet with Hand Carved and Highlighted Roses
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Black Granite Classic Book Set with Cord, Tassel and Sandblasted Pages
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Light Grey Granite Book Memorial with Carved Rose Design
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Black Granite Book Memorial with Stepped and Polished Page Edges
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Black Granite Mock Bookset on Wide Rest
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Black Granite Book Memorial with Stepped Page Edges and Centre Splay Base


Browse the Range
We offer the finest book headstones available to Cardiff and beyond. Search now for the perfect tribute to your loved one.


Download a Brochure
A full digital catalogue of our dedicated Thornhill memorials range for you to view.
Choosing the Perfect Book Headstone
The symbol of a book carries enduring significance across diverse cultures, representing wisdom, enlightenment, and faith. Furthermore, it often embodies the concept of a ‘book of life’ when integrated into the design of a headstone or other commemorative structure.
The popularity of book-shaped tombstones has experienced a notable surge, making them a profound choice for those who wish to honor the memory of a loved one. Additionally, these book-inspired memorials often serve as a tribute to multiple individuals laid to rest together.
At Thornhill Memorials, we offer a wide variety of book headstone designs for your consideration. Our skilled team of memorial artisans and designers is also at your disposal, prepared to collaborate with you in creating a unique design that beautifully reflects the personality and passions of your beloved.


Book Headstone Materials & Colours


Within our range of book-shaped memorials, you will discover a wide variety of materials and finishes, offering a spectrum of colours and tones in specific choices.
Each material used in the creation of these headstones comes with its own unique advantages, whether they pertain to visual aesthetics, long-lasting durability, or minimal maintenance requirements.
Popular Book Headstone Materials


Granite


Limestone


York Stone


White Marble


Portland Stone


Forest of Dean Stone


Sandstone


Nabresina Stone


Welsh Slate
Popular Book Headstone Colours
Our selection of colours and shades is extensive, but the availability of options is contingent on the type of memorial material chosen.
Here, you can find a preview of the diverse colors and shades accessible within our granite and natural stone materials.


Black


Light Grey


Dark Grey


Avon Grey


Star Galaxy


Brown


Bahama Blue


Blue Pearl


Ruby Red


Balmoral Red


Twilight Red


Teak


Pink


Emerald Pearl


Fir Green


Imperial Green


Ocean Green


Tropical Green


Yellow (York Stone)


White


White Marble
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Fine Craft Etching
Elevate a book headstone by embellishing it with intricately etched images or photographs, imbuing it with character, personality, and an unrivaled touch of individuality.


Why choose us for your Book Headstone?
Ability to create bespoke memorials with unrivalled craftsmanship
The Thornhill Memorials’ 30 year memorial guarantee
The Thornhill Memorials’ price promise
Fully accredited by BRAMM
Sterling selection of colours, materials & styles
The Memorial Aftercare® service
Available home visit service






Installation Services
After our team of highly skilled memorial stonemasons has meticulously designed and crafted your book headstone, the next crucial step involves the expert installation of the memorial at your chosen burial site.
Drawing upon our extensive knowledge of the cemeteries in and around South Wales, we are uniquely positioned to offer expert guidance and recommendations on the most suitable types of book headstones for the various cemeteries and churchyards in the area.
When you entrust us with the installation of your book headstone, you can find solace in the assurance that your chosen memorial will be installed with the utmost precision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
For more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.


Our Services
We offer a selection of memorial services, designed around you.
01.
Memorial Aftercare®
The service that provides fully comprehensive maintenance for your loved one’s memorial. We ensure complete peace of mind that the memorial is thoroughly checked, cleaned and cared for.
02.
Memorial Insurance
You never have to worry as StoneGuard’s “All Risks” cover protects and insures your family memorials, old and new. We ensure that any damage to your headstone is covered.
03.
Memorial Restoration
We provide an expert stone restoration service to return your headstone to its former beauty, carried out by our experienced memorial masons, all at a fair price.
Book Headstone FAQs
How Do I Choose A Book Headstone?
When searching for a reliable memorial stonemason, there are several important factors to consider. It’s crucial to assess their experience in monumental stonemasonry, any accreditations they may have, their level of craftsmanship, product quality, and familiarity with the cemetery where the headstone will be placed. Equally essential is feeling comfortable working with the stonemasons to design and create the perfect memorial for your loved one.
It’s worth noting that most memorial stonemasons require a deposit upon placing an order. Therefore, it’s essential to have confidence in the stonemasons’ ability to complete the work and remain in business to avoid losing your deposit. Opting for an established memorial mason directly, rather than going through a middleman like a funeral director, can also help avoid additional costs.
Ultimately, selecting a reputable and well-established memorial stonemason will ensure peace of mind and guarantee that your loved one’s memorial is crafted to the highest standard.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Memorial Stonemason?
When searching for a reliable memorial stonemason, there are several important factors to consider. It’s crucial to assess their experience in monumental stonemasonry, any accreditations they may have, their level of craftsmanship, product quality, and familiarity with the cemetery where the headstone will be placed. Equally essential is feeling comfortable working with the stonemasons to design and create the perfect memorial for your loved one.
It’s worth noting that most memorial stonemasons require a deposit upon placing an order. Therefore, it’s essential to have confidence in the stonemasons’ ability to complete the work and remain in business to avoid losing your deposit. Opting for an established memorial mason directly, rather than going through a middleman like a funeral director, can also help avoid additional costs.
Ultimately, selecting a reputable and well-established memorial stonemason will ensure peace of mind and guarantee that your loved one’s memorial is crafted to the highest standard.
Can You Help Me Choose A Book Headstone?
We are more than happy to discuss all of your options in detail to assist you in making a decision about which book-shaped headstone would best suit your needs. Our team can walk you through the advantages of various materials, present you with a selection of book styles and designs that meet your specifications, and explain the variety of engraving and detailing possibilities that are accessible for each specific headstone.
What Is The Best Material For A Headstone?
Selecting the ideal material for your headstone depends on various factors, such as the style, lettering, carving specifications, colour, texture, and location. Our memorial stonemasonry company offers a wide selection of popular headstone materials, including granite, slate, limestone, york stone, and more. For those looking for a book headstone in a specific colour, granite material is often the best option due to its vast range of colours and shades. However, it’s essential to check if your cemetery has any regulations regarding the acceptable headstone colours.
Are Book Headstones Available In Different Colours?
Certainly, we offer a range of colours for our book-shaped headstones, including a variety of colours and shades in our granite material. Choosing a coloured book headstone can be a personal way to honour and remember a loved one, perhaps by crafting the memorial in a granite of their favourite colour or as a way to add a touch of uniqueness to their tribute.
However, it’s important to note that cemeteries and churchyards may have specific regulations regarding the colours of headstones allowed on their grounds. We recommend checking with the cemetery or churchyard before making a final decision on the colour of your book headstone.
How Long Should I Wait Before Getting A Book Headstone?
Selecting a headstone to memorialise a loved one can be an emotionally challenging task. Therefore, we suggest taking ample time to carefully consider your options and ensure that you are creating a tribute that appropriately honours their life. There is no definitive timeline for making this decision, and we encourage you to take as much time as you need to arrive at a choice that feels right for you and your family.
To ensure the stability of the headstone and to prevent any potential damage, it is generally recommended by cemeteries to wait for 6-12 months after the burial before erecting a headstone. This allows the ground to settle properly and minimises the risk of the headstone sinking or tilting over time. It is always advisable to check with the specific cemetery you plan to use for any regulations or guidelines they may have regarding headstone installation.
The length of time you have to wait before installing a memorial can vary depending on the cemetery and the type of memorial you choose. For example, some cemeteries may require the aforementioned waiting period of 6-12 months before allowing a headstone to be installed, while the same cemetery may permit the installation of a cremation memorial immediately.
If you’re unsure about the specific requirements of a cemetery in Cardiff or nearby areas, our knowledgeable and experienced staff can offer advice and guidance to help you navigate the process.
Ultimately, the decision of when to install a headstone on a grave is a personal one and there is no prescribed time frame. It’s important to take the time you need to feel ready to honour your loved one in the way that feels most appropriate to you – time can usually better help you decide on the book headstone itself as well as the engraved inscription.
Can I Choose A Book Headstone Design That Isn’t In Your Brochure?
In most cases, yes, we can create a bespoke book headstone design to meet your specific requirements. Our memorial stonemasons are highly skilled and experienced, so if you provide us with an image or description of the design you have in mind, we will do our best to help. We understand that book-shaped headstones are a popular choice and you may want a unique design that stands out or a replica of a book headstone you saw and admired elsewhere.
How Long Does It Take To Make A Book Headstone?
Creating a headstone, whether in the shape of a book or any other design, and engraving its inscription requires a great deal of skill. As a result, it can take some time to complete your book headstone order, typically several weeks or even months. The exact timeframe will depend on the current demand of things such as existing orders and stone materials, so we recommend asking for an up-to-date estimated lead time when placing your order to get a more accurate answer.
Can I Add Something To A Book Headstone?
Without a doubt, you can make alterations or additions to an already existing book headstone. These modifications might include adding a unique design, an engraved feature, or an additional inscription with a different font or text. We would be honoured to have a conversation with you about your preferences and offer details about the available amendments that can be made to the headstone.
What Is The Average Cost Of A Book Headstone?
It’s challenging to estimate the cost of a headstone, regardless of whether it is a simple upright design or something more bespoke. This is due to the fact that every headstone is unique, and the price is determined by various factors such as size, inscription, type of headstone, and ever-changing material costs, rather than just the labour required to craft it. To obtain an accurate quote, we suggest speaking with a representative who can consider your specific requirements at the time.
Nevertheless, we guarantee that our prices are highly competitive, and we provide a price promise. If you discover a product of comparable quality from a recognised and reputable local memorial mason or funeral director at a lower cost, we will offer a discount on the price.
Do You Offer A Guarantee With Your Book Headstones?
Certainly, all of our book headstones as well as any other type of memorial come with our 30-year guarantee.
Do You Hold Any Memorial Accreditation?
Yes, we are BRAMM (British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons) approved, and a registered and fully licensed memorial mason.
Can I View Proofs Of The Headstone First?
Prior to production, we can supply you with design proofs of the book headstone. In the event that you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the design, we can modify the layout or style until it aligns with your specifications. We recognise the importance of crafting the perfect book headstone for you and your loved one and are dedicated to collaborating with you closely throughout the entire process.
Do You Ship Book Headstone Orders Overseas?
We have experience in shipping memorials overseas, but it’s important to note that there are additional expenses involved. These may include specialised packaging, insurance, and taxes or fees.
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