Memorial stones and tributes in a Churchyard
Our condolences and sympathies are with you at this sad time. We know that organising a funeral can be a difficult and daunting task. Our ministers will work with you to plan the best possible service of thanksgiving for your loved one.
It is hard to think about the burial and memorial stone at this time. We want to give you this leaflet to guide you through the process of choosing and booking the memorial stone when you’re ready.
Choosing a Memorial Stone.
First, we ask that you speak with your parish priest, when you are able, about the memorial stone you would like, before going to the Stone Mason. It’s important to look at your options together as our churchyards are subject to regulations which are stricter than those in civil cemeteries and we don’t want you to be disappointed later. A very brief summary of some issues that can be surprising when compared to civil cemeteries include:
i) the size, design, colour and type of stone being a more limited range
ii) Inscriptions and images are not allowed to be in colour or metallic paints.
The full regulations can be found here: https://diocesanregistrylincoln.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/Churchyard_Regulations_2012.pdf
Sometimes a good argument can be made to the Chancellor of the Diocese for the dispensation of the churchyard regulations, especially if there are already examples in the churchyard of the memorial stone you would like on your loved one’s grave. If the PCC and our Priest-in-Charge agree with your application for a particular memorial stone, then we will help you make the application to the Chancellor.
Leaving flowers to express our love for those we’ve lost
The variety of tributes allowed on graves is more limited in churchyards than in cemeteries. Only good quality silk flowers, fresh flowers and poppies for Remembrance and a wreath at Christmas are allowed. We can’t allow the leaving of other objects such as statues, or putting up fencing. The PCC has the right to remove objects that are not within the Churchyard Regulations. We endeavour to support you as much as we can. If you have any questions about the memorial stone or the leaving of floral tributes, then please email Revd Jane Foster-Smith at Jane.Foster-Smith@lincoln.anglican.org
Saxilby & Stow Groups of Churches: this page relates to the churchyards of Kettlethorpe, Newton and Coates Churches, and to the Extension Churchyard of Stow Minster located in Sturton-by-Stow. Last updated 21st May 2026
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