Tombstones from Other Stones
Tombstones & Headstones made from a variety of other stones
Available across the UK
Tombstones & Headstones
Artisan Memorials stands as the foremost provider of meticulously crafted, custom headstones and gravestones throughout the United Kingdom. With extensive years of experience, we are adept in working with a variety of materials to create bespoke tombstones. Where possible, we prioritise the use of locally sourced stone, ensuring it harmonises with the natural environment and historical customs of churchyards and burial grounds across the nation.
No matter what type of stone you choose, you can be sure that it will stand the test of time.
Celtic Limestone or Irish Blue Limestone
Quarried in Kilkenny, Southern Ireland, Celtic or Irish blue limestone is renowned as being a hard wearing, durable material that is perfect for memorials and headstones. This beautiful stone has a blue-grey hue with occasional white speckles. It shares many of the same qualities as nabresina, being very hard and dense whilst allowing for deeply carved lettering and inscriptions. Often it is considered a meaningful way to celebrate the lives of those with Irish ancestry and is a less expensive option than Welsh slate for those looking for a mid-toned greyish blue coloured memorial.
Celtic limestone memorials leave the workshop darker in colour, but over time tend to become a lighter shade. Celtic limestone is renowned for its durability and timeless beauty and will ensure a lasting tribute for your loved one.
Purbeck Thornback
Purbeck Thornback stone is a beautifully patterned, beige stone quarried in Swanage on the Jurassic Coast. Thanks to its rustic appearance, it fits in perfectly to older churchyards and, given its scarcity, Purbeck stone is the perfect choice for those wanting something a little more unique. A Purbeck Thornback headstone features a rugged, textured back and sides which contrast nicely with a smooth front that allows for intricate, beautiful carving.
Purbeck Pond Freestone
Purbeck Pond Freestone is a beige/grey stone often incorporating interesting flint markings and bluish flecks. It is a relatively hard and non-absorbent material from the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and is often chosen by those wanting a locally sourced and slightly warmer coloured alternative to Portland Limestone. Unlike Purbeck Thornback it is more uniform in colouring and is available with a honed surface on all sides.
St. Bees Red Sandstone
St. Bees Red Sandstone is a finely grained and consistently textured stone from St Bees on the Cumbrian Coast. Its fine grain makes it suitable for detailed carving and a lovely option for those wanting a very natural and organic looking memorial.
It is generally reddish-brown in colour, turning redder when wet, with variations of darker and lighter tones running throughout that give it an almost wood-like pattern.
Vermont Green Slate
Sourced from the state of Vermont in the New England region of the Northeastern United States, Vermont slate is an un-fading slate of unquestionable quality. Produced from slate beds laid down in the same Cambrian era as the Welsh Penrhyn slate, Vermont slate has a mottled pale green/grey colouring interspersed with darker speckles. As with all slate it is incredibly hard, totally weather resistant and allows our skilled stone masons to create beautiful deeply V-carved inscriptions.
Broughton Moor Slate
Broughton Moor slate is another green coloured stone, this time from Coniston, Broughton-in-Furness in Cumbria. Its green/grey tones are highlighted by beautiful natural markings including contrasting white veins and variations in tone which reflect its volcanic origins.
Broughton Moor slate is a very hard and weather resistant material, which like all slate makes beautiful headstones and memorials that resist the challenges of the changing British climate.
We work all over the UK, offering the complete service, from design to installation
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What’s the difference between tombstones and headstones?
Understanding Memorial Terminology
Whilst the terms ‘headstone’ and ‘tombstone’ are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their traditional meanings. A headstone typically refers to an upright memorial stone placed at the head of a grave, whilst a tombstone historically described a stone laid flat over the entire burial plot. Today, most UK memorial masons use ‘headstone’ as the preferred term, though both describe lasting memorials crafted from quality stone materials. Our expert craftsmen create both upright headstones and laying stones, ensuring each memorial perfectly honours your loved one’s memory.
Tombstones: Crafting Lasting Memorials
Our expertly crafted tombstones provide a dignified way to honour cherished memories. Each tombstone is created with precision and care, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design elements to ensure a fitting tribute to your loved one.
Traditional Tombstones Designs
Classic Tombstone Materials
We offer a range of premium materials for creating beautiful tombstones:
- Granite tombstones – exceptional durability
- Marble tombstones – timeless elegance
- Limestone varieties – natural beauty
- Welsh slate – distinctive character
Bespoke Tombstones Features
Our skilled craftsmen create unique tombstones with various design elements:
- Traditional and contemporary shapes
- Hand-carved lettering and artwork
- Religious symbols and motifs
- Photo plaques and personalised designs
Professional Tombstone Services
Each tombstone we create combines artistic design with practical durability. Our comprehensive service includes:
Custom Tombstone Creation
From initial design to final installation, our expert stonemasons ensure your chosen tombstone perfectly reflects cherished memories while meeting all cemetery requirements. We guide you through material selection, design options, and installation processes, creating a memorial that stands as a lasting tribute.
