Skilled Memorial & Gravestone Renovation

Renovation

Repair, Replacement, Cleaning and Maintenance

Perserving and Restoring

Keeping Memories Alive

James Long (Masons) Ltd are regarded as specialists in the renovation and maintenance of damaged, broken or worn stone memorials, headstones, tombs and grave coverings across a wide area of Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Bristol and south Gloucestershire.

We work on individual graves for private clients, or take on projects to restore memorials and monuments on behalf of church groups, local councils or communities who are keen to preserve historic burial grounds.

One of the main purposes of a grave marker, headstone or covering is to preserve the memory of the deceased, and it is satisfying to be able to restore lost inscriptions and damaged stonework as an act of remembrance and respect.

The 'Tombraisers" Project

For example, one of the biggest graveyard restoration projects we were privileged to undertake in recent years was the “Tombraisers” project in the village of Luckington in north west Wiltshire.

This involved re-erecting a number of box tombs in the overgrown cemetery at the Grade I listed Luckington Parish Church, which dates back to the 12th Century.

Trowbridge War Memorial

The work included cleaning the structure and its names, straightening it and repairing a crack in the cross.

The refurbishment was part of a project by Trowbridge Town Council to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. We originally crafted and erected the war memorial in April 1921.

The Trowbridge War Memorial has recently undergone a thorough renovation and cleaning to restore its original dignity and ensure its preservation for future generations. This work involved careful cleaning of the stonework and repairing weathered or damaged areas.

As part of an ongoing maintenance program, the memorial will continue to receive regular care, including inspections and gentle cleaning, to protect it from the effects of time and weather, ensuring it remains a fitting tribute.

Restoring History

What’s Involved in our Memorial Renovation Services

Our renovation experts are trained with special skills to carry out a range of meticulous tasks to restore any part or all of a memorial.

The first step is to study a photograph of the site, or preferably arrange to visit it in person, so we can assess what is required to bring the memorial – for instance a marble tablet, granite headstone or kerb set – back to its original condition. We can then give you a quotation for the work to be carried out.

Some examples of the grave restoration work we do would be:

Should you wish to add extra lettering to an existing inscription, we can take care of this. We can also offer you a grave/memorial ongoing maintenance contract so your loved one’s last resting place will be continuously checked and tended.

Honouring a Memorial

Careful, Considerate Grave Renovation

There are many reasons why clients ask us to renovate the graves, memorials or monuments that they care about. Whether it’s a family plot that has suffered the ravages of time, an unfortunate case of vandalism, to celebrate a special anniversary or re-dedication, or just out of love or respect, you can rely on us to get the job done with care and consideration.

There are rules and regulations pertaining to access and the type of work that can be carried out in the various cemeteries and churchyards across our area. We are familiar with them all, so you can leave all the permissions to us when you commission us to undertake a memorial renovation, large or small.

We keep you informed during the whole process, and are always happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the work, both before, during and after the renovation is carried out.

To us, memorial restoration work goes beyond just physically fixing the stone and its accoutrements. It is a labour of love which we perform in honour of those commemorated by the memorial, and those who remember them.

Discover Our Services

The main monumental masonry services we provide for our clients, such as the bereaved, funeral directors and custodians of cemeteries, churchyards, crematoria or burial grounds, are:

Memorials & Headstones

Choose from a tasteful and inspirational range of grave and cremation markers in marble, granite, slate or other stone, ready to order with your customised inscription.

View the Collection

Gravestone Renovations

We have a specially trained, experienced team available to carry out sensitive renovations, maintenance and cleaning of stone memorials that have fallen into disrepair, become damaged or suffered the ravages of time and the weather.

Arrange a Renovation

Bespoke Memorials

If you are seeking a unique hand-crafted stone memorial to commemorate a special individual, an event or occasion we’ll work with you to design and create a fitting distinctive tribute.

Commission a Special Memorial