Book Headstones

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White Marble Book Memorial with Carved Angel
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Black Granite Book Memorial with Side Flower Vase
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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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Book-like tombstones have become a favored selection for individuals in search of a distinctive and heartfelt tribute to commemorate their dear ones.
Within Ursells, our proficient squad of memorial artisans possesses the expertise to meticulously fashion and inscribe various styles of book-shaped tombstones, each one a testament to the cherished memory of your beloved.
We present an array of pre-established book designs for your consideration, or alternatively, collaborate closely with you to conceive a tailor-made masterpiece that impeccably encapsulates the essence of your loved one’s life and enduring influence.
Our unwavering commitment to precision craftsmanship and meticulous attention to particulars ensures that your book-inspired memorial will stand as a befitting homage destined to endure through generations.
Choosing A Book Headstone
The emblem of a book holds enduring significance across numerous cultures, symbolising wisdom, enlightenment, and belief. Moreover, it frequently conveys the concept of a “book of life” when incorporated into the design of a headstone or other commemorative structure.
The adoption of book-shaped tombstones has surged in popularity, serving as a profound choice for individuals seeking to pay tribute to a cherished one’s memory. Additionally, these book-inspired memorials often stand as a homage to multiple individuals interred together.
Here at Ursells, an extensive assortment of book headstone designs awaits your selection. Our adept team of memorial craftsmen and designers are also at your disposal to collaborate on crafting a distinctive design that beautifully mirrors the personality and passions of your beloved.

Book Headstone Materials & Colours
Diverse materials and finishes grace our selection of book-shaped memorials, encompassing an array of colors and tones in certain options.
Every material utilised in crafting these headstones carries its own distinct advantages, whether it’s an allure of aesthetics, long-lasting resilience, or the demand for minimal upkeep.
POPULAR BOOK HEADSTONE MATERIALS:
Please note that these material and colour examples should be used as a guide only.
The high quality materials that we use are naturally sourced materials, therefore we can expect each headstone to be unique with a colour, shade and pattern that slightly differs to the next.

Granite

Limestone

York Stone

White Marble

Portland Stone

Forest of Dean Stone

Sandstone

Nabresina Stone

Welsh Slate
POPULAR BOOK HEADSTONE COLOURS:
We offer a wide range of colours and shades, although options will be dependent on the memorial material that is used.
Below you can view an indication of the various colours and shades that are available in 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
Enquire: Use Our Form
We are here to sensitively address your needs concerning book headstones.
To discover further details about our book headstones, please reach out to us and schedule an appointment today.

FINE-CRAFT ETCHING
Infuse character, personality, and an unparalleled sense of uniqueness into a book memorial through intricate and expertly crafted etchings of images or photographs.
WHY CHOOSE US FOR YOUR BOOK HEADSTONE?
- Established memorial masons since 1885
- Ability to create bespoke memorials with unrivalled craftsmanship
- Over 130 years industry experience
- The Ursells 30 year memorial guarantee
- The Ursells price promise
- Fully accredited by BRAMM
- A remarkable selection of colours, materials & styles
- The Memorial Aftercare® service
- Available home visit service



Installation Services
After our team of skilled memorial stonemasons designs and crafts your book headstone, the subsequent step involves the professional installation of the memorial around the designated burial plot.
Benefiting from an extensive understanding of cemeteries in the surrounding regions of Ross-on-Wye, we are excellently positioned to provide expert counsel and direction on the most fitting types of book headstone memorials for various cemeteries and churchyards across the Ross locale.
Through our dedicated book headstone memorial installation service, you can find solace in the assurance that your chosen memorial will be meticulously installed to the utmost standard of excellence.
To learn more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Our Services
Your complete satisfaction is paramount to us.
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BOOK HEADSTONE FAQS
How Do I Choose A Book Headstone?
With a vast range of book headstone designs, styles, and stone materials available, many customers seek our guidance and advice when selecting the perfect book memorial for their loved one.
Our brochure is an excellent starting point, providing examples of book headstone styles, materials, and options to help narrow down your search. If you have a particular book headstone design in mind, whether it’s an idea you’ve formed or a picture you’ve seen online, our expert headstone design team and skilled memorial stonemasons can craft just about any bespoke design you can imagine.
Browsing book headstones at your local cemetery or online, or booking an appointment to speak with one of our advisors and view them in person, can greatly assist you in making an informed decision when considering headstone options to honour and remember your loved one.
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 standar
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 color, granite material is often the best option due to its vast range of colors 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 Ross-on-Wye 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 with over 130 years industry experience having first established ourselves way back in 1885.
Can I View Proofs Of The Book 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 Headstone Orders Overseas?
We do possess expertise in shipping headstones internationally, but please keep in mind that overseas shipping entails additional costs, such as specialised protective packaging, insurance, and customs fees.










