Grave memorials and inscriptions

Before agreeing a design or paying a stonemason, contact the parish clerk with the grave reference. Say whether you are commissioning a first memorial, adding a second inscription or arranging repairs to an existing stone at Forsbrook Parish Cemetery.

A new memorial or further inscription

The parish’s schedule effective from 1 May 2026 lists a £75 charge for a new memorial in the resident column and £281 in the non-resident column. An additional inscription has its own line, at £68 and £140 respectively. These are the council’s charges. Ask your mason for a separate quote for the stone, lettering and installation.

Check the current fee schedule and ask the clerk which rate applies. Give your mason the grave number, the proposed wording and the name of the burial-right holder. Find out whether the council needs a drawing, dimensions or written consent before work begins.

The grass around the memorial

Forsbrook’s published rules keep the front of the stone grassed. Place a memorial vase on its base. Raised surrounds and planted borders make grass-cutting difficult and are excluded by the parish rules. Families who would like a different arrangement can write to the clerk before buying anything.

If a stone needs attention

Owners are responsible for keeping memorials in repair. If a stone appears loose, leave it in position and report the location so that the cemetery manager can inspect it. A mason must notify the clerk before removing or erecting a stone.

If the memorial stands beside St Peter’s church, contact the church instead. Staffordshire Moorlands District Council also publishes memorial safety notices for closed churchyards, including St Peter’s. Find the churchyard contacts.