After the death of a loved one, the choosing of a headstone or other memorial is important and can be an important part of the process of grieving. 

    However, there are regulations relating to what headstones and other memorials can be introduced into a churchyard. There can also be variations between what is allowed in Church of England churchyards and those allowed by other churches. This can be confusing for families as they decide what memorial they would like.  Permission therefore must be given to ensure the size / style / design conforms to the church regulations before any memorial can be erected in the churchyard and again the monumental masons are aware of what needs to be done.

 The local monumental masons should be aware of the regulations of the Diocese of Leicester, which apply to all churchyards. So do ask them to show you only memorials that can come into churchyards. However the regulations can be found at /content/pages/documents/1567349375.pdf 

 Appleby Magna Churchyard does have an added variation (to clause 18 in the linked document) specific to only Appleby, that allows for some extra motifs:
“Other than the traditional Christian plain cross, no symbols, insignia or motifs such as things of interest in the life of the person who has died, such as a dog, a bird, a fishing rod, a tractor, a musical instrument or a motorcycle, are permitted,
except that motifs of flowers, wheat stalks, butterflies and acorns with oak leaves may be permitted provided such motifs are (a) relevant to the life commemorated;  (b) appropriate in the wider context of the churchyard; 
(c) incised into the stone or carved in relief; and (d) are not coloured or painted in any way.”

 The monumental masons will give details of their charges.
As a guide the church fees for introducing the memorials into the churchyard, fees in 2025 are:

Small vase or tablet (for an ashes interment): £92 
Headstones: £172 
Additional inscription on existing memorial: £37

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