Headstones & Memorials size regulations

What size is allowed by the regulations?

Headstones

Height: not more than 1200mm (4'0") nor less than 750mm (2'6") measured from the surface of the ground
Width: not more than 900mm (3'0") nor less than 500mm (1'8")
Thickness: not more than 150mm (6") nor less than 75mm (3") except in the case of slate memorials which may be thinner but no less than 38mm (1½")

Headstones for infant burials

Height: not less than 600mm (2'0")
Width: not less than 375mm (1'3")
Thickness: not less than 50mm (2")

Cross and base memorials

Height: not more than 1 metre 525mm (5'0") nor less than 900mm (3'0") high measured from the surface of the ground.
Width: not more than 900mm (3'0") nor less than 600mm (2'0")
Thickness: not more than 380mm (1'3") nor less than 150mm (6")

Ledger stones

Not more than 2100mm (7'0") by 900mm (3'0")
Not less than 1200mm (4'0") by 600mm (2'0")
These measurements are not intended to define standard proportions of memorials which may be of any dimensions within the given maximum and minimum.  (The metric equivalents given above are slightly less than the imperial dimensions but are recommended for use by the National Association of Memorial Masons).

Base and Foundation Slab

Headstones may be of three types:

• So shaped that they can be inserted directly into the ground at sufficient depth to ensure stability;
• On an integral base not more than 900mm (3'0") wide, nor projecting more than 100mm (4") in any direction, nor more than 225mm (9") high
• On a vase base not more than 900mm (3'0") wide, nor projecting more than 100mm (4") on either side, nor projecting more than 180mm (7") in front of the headstone, no more than 100mm (4") high.  The base must be no more than 375mm (1'3") overall, front to back.

It should be noted that since the base may not be more than 900mm (3'0") wide, the use of a headstone more than 700mm (2'4") wide will reduce the extent to which the base may project on either side.  Due regard should be paid to the nature of the ground and to settlement. Ledger stones must be laid flush with the ground.

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