Nature of Source
Monumental inscriptions (MIs) are memorials commemorating a person’s death, inscribed on gravestones and usually located in parish churchyards. Traditionally, these memorials were found in local parish church burial grounds. However, rapid population growth, particularly in urban areas, and migration into towns and cities led to the development of larger municipal cemeteries and burial grounds. This change was necessary to deal with overcrowding and health and hygiene concerns associated with the traditional parish churchyard.
Key Research Points
- Beware that the gravestone or memorial may have been erected long after the person’s death.
- MIs can offer a surprising amount of family information and may include information relating to several generations of the same family.
- MIs are particularly useful if parish registers are unavailable or an entry is not found. They often fill in gaps left by incomplete or missing parish registers.
- The death record may show where the burial took place as might. Obituaries and funeral notices in local newspapers may also reveal burial details.
- Historic directories can help identify churches and burial grounds in a specific area.
- From the mid-19th century, numerous municipal cemeteries and crematoria were established.
- Also look for funeral and death notices and obituaries, often found in local newspapers, for evidence of a death. Memorial cards also known as ‘funeral cards’ or ‘mortuary cards’ and ‘remembrance cards’ can be a useful addition to other sources of death information. They became popular in the 19th century and were sent to family and friends and typically included the deceased’s name, death date and funeral arrangements.
The Bigland Collection
For those seeking Gloucestershire ancestors, family history researchers benefit from the work of Ralph Bigland. In 1750 he embarked on an ambitious project to transcribe every gravestone and monument from parish churches and graveyards across Gloucestershire. Although he failed to cover every church in the county, he did manage the vast majority and in 1786 two comprehensive volumes were published known as the ‘Historical, Monumental, and Genealogical Collections Relative to the County of Gloucester’. Digital collections are available to view at the Internet Archive or to search online at Findmypast.
Burial Practices in Scotland
Following the Reformation of 1560, Scotland broke away from the Roman Catholic Church, eventually becoming a Protestant (Calvinist Presbyterian) nation. The elaborate burial rites and rituals associated with former times were banned as was the use of burial vaults inside the church. Many pre-reformation flat grave slabs were destroyed and banned from further use and burial in earth within the churchyard became the accepted practice. Later, upright stones were introduced as the norm from 1640 and over the years, the custom of erecting gravestones became increasingly popular with ordinary families. The use of emblems etched into the stone were frequently used with emblems associated with the deceased’s former trade as well as with mortality, immortality and heraldry also popular.
For Scottish research, locate the lair (burial plot) record, which often contains valuable genealogical details about the deceased and their family members. Additionally, a chronological record of burials typically exists alongside these lair records.
Roman-Style Dates
Some Scottish MIs may may show dates in the Roman style, by reference to Kalends, Nones and Ides (phases of the moon). These dates are given as days before these phases, including the day itself. This method may appear complex but is crucial for researching Scottish gravestones. For more information on the Roman calendar and dating system used in some Scottish records, visit this guide from ThoughtCo.
See also
Cemetery & Crematoria Records
Civil Registration, Death
Old Parish Registers-Burials (OPRs)
Parish Registers-Burials
Statutory Registration-Death
Where Found
Local archives hold a number of monumental inscription records including:
- Transcripts and indexes of inscriptions from churches, chapels and graveyards and nonconformist burial grounds.
- Surveys of churchyards, often including plans showing grave locations.
- Inscriptions from parish war memorials and memorials inside churches.
- Cemetery and Crematorium Registers.
Society of Genealogists
Monumental Inscriptions. The society holds the largest collection of MI transcriptions in the UK with many relating to British people buried overseas.
ScotlandsPeople Centre
The ScotlandsPeople Centre located in central Edinburgh includes search rooms for in-person visits. The centre provides access to various historical records including a collection of monumental inscription publications and transcriptions of burial registers and newspaper obituaries. The centre is run by the National Records of Scotland, a non-ministerial department of the Scottish Government. Many of the records are available via ScotlandsPeople which is the official government website for searching government records and archives related to Scottish family history research.
Family History Societies
Local societies hold transcripts and indexes of inscriptions from churches, chapels and graveyards and nonconformist burial grounds as well as churchyard plans and surveys.
Scottish Genealogy Society
The society and library holds Monumental Inscriptions, collections of Old Parish Registers and census returns. They also hold a large collection of pedigrees and family histories which are indexed on their web site at the Family History Index.
National Library of Scotland
The library holds a collection of published monumental inscriptions and an index of monumental inscriptions held in the Library’s collections. The library also has a small selection of published volumes of monumental inscriptions in the General Reading Room.
Period Covered
1600 – Onwards
Genealogical Value
- Full name of the deceased
- Place and date of birth and death
- Age at death
- Places of residence, address, parish
- Occupation of the deceased
- Family members and relationships
Further References
- Bard, Robert. Graveyard London: Lost and Forgotten Burial Grounds: Historical Publications, 2008
- Beach, Darren. London’s Cemeteries: Metro Publications, 2006
- Bishop, Bruce. Researching Scottish Graveyards: Scottish Association of Family History Societies, 2010
- Bowdler, Roger. Churchyards: Britain’s Heritage: Amberley Publishing, 2019
- Burgess, Frederick. English Churchyard Memorials: Lutterworth Press, 1963
- Collins, Lydia (ed). Monumental Inscriptions in the Library of the Society of Genealogists : Part 1 Southern England: Society of Genealogists, 1984
- Collins, Lydia (ed). Monumental Inscriptions in the Library of the Society of Genealogists : Part II Northern England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Overseas: Society of Genealogists, 1987
- Gibbens, Lilian. Basic Facts about Using Death and Burial Records for Family Historians: FFHS, 1997
- Greenwood, Douglas. Who’s Buried Where in England: Constable, 2006
- Hartley, Tom. Belfast City Cemetery: The History of Belfast, Written in Stone: Blackstaff Press, 2014
- Jones, Jeremy. How to Record Graveyards: Council for British Archaeology, 1976
- Leedham, Amanda. Using Gravestones to Trace Your Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians: Pen and Sword Books, 2025
- Lees, Hilary. Exploring English Churchyard Memorials: Tempus, 2002
- Love, Dane. Scottish Kirkyards: Amberley Publishing, 2010
- Meller, Hugh. London Cemeteries: An Illustrated Guide and Gazetteer: The History Press, 2008
- Mytum, Harold. Recording and Analysing Graveyards: Council for British Archaeology, 2000
- Parker, John. Reading Latin Epitaphs: A Handbook for Beginners with Illustrations: University of Exeter Press, 2012
- Philpot, Terry. 31 London Cemeteries: To Visit Before You Die: Step Beach Press, 2013
- Rayment John, revised Pattinson, Penelope. Notes on Recording Monumental Inscriptions: FFHS, 1992
- Raymond, Stuart. Death & Burial Records for Family Historians: Family History Partnership, 2011
- Ruston, Alan. Hertfordshire Obituaries 1801-1837: As extracted from the Gentleman’s Magazine: Hertfordshire Family History Society, 2009
- Rutherford, Sarah. The Victorian Cemetery: Shire Publications, 2008
- Storey, Neil. The Little Book of Death: The History Press, 2013
- Stuart, Denis. Latin For Local And Family Historians: Phillimore, 2002
- Treneman, Ann. Finding the Plot: 100 Graves To Visit Before You Die: The Robson Press, 2013
Turpin, John & Knight, Derrick. The Magnificent Seven: London’s First Landscaped Cemeteries: Amberley Publishing, 2011 - Webb, Cliff. Greater London Cemeteries & Crematoria. 7th Ed: Society of Genealogists, 2005
- White, Dr H Leslie, Monuments and their Inscriptions: a Practical Guide: Society of Genealogists, 1978
- Yorke, Trevor. Gravestones, Tombs and Memorials: Countryside Books, 2010
Websites
The London Burial Grounds
Index to burial grounds. Index and list of London burial grounds and cemeteries listed under the parish in which they are located.
Flickr Photo Group
London Cemeteries.
Stoneletters
Gravestone Symbols and Carvings. Meaning and Inspiration.
BillionGraves
Gravestone Symbols from A to Z.
Memorials.com
Headstone Symbols and Meanings: A Guide to Cemetery Symbols.
Funeral Guide
Cemetery Symbolism.
Our Warwickshire
Churchyards and Tombstones. Reading Monumental Inscriptions.
Family Tree Magazine
Gravestone Symbols and Their Hidden Meanings, by Courtney Henderson.
Family Tree Magazine
How to find a grave: Discover your ancestors’ final resting places. Discover how to find a grave, and what to do to ensure you make the most of a churchyard visit, by David Annal.
Family Tree Resources
Memorial Inscriptions
Solway Past
Symbolism on Tombstones.
BillionGraves
BillionGraves Blog Post: Gravestone Cleaning Tips, by Cathy Wallace.
Airedale and Wharfedale FHS
Gravestone Icons. Common Gravestone Icons and Symbols.
CABE
Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment. Cemeteries, churchyards and burial grounds. The publication looks at current concerns about cemeteries and whether they are facing a crisis. It considers their legal status, heritage value and their contemporary benefits.
Ancestors at Rest
Funeral Cards and Memorial Cards Database. The site offers an informative resource on the significance of funeral cards in genealogy and includes a comprehensive database of funeral and memorial cards.
Legacy Tree Genealogists
Finding Funeral Home Records for Your Ancestors
OVS-Genealogy
Birthdate Calculator. Calculate birth date from death date and age on tombstones and death certificates.
Scotland
Scottish Association of Family History Societies
Burial Grounds. The site offers a searchable database of burial grounds in Scotland with information on over 3,500 burial sites across the country organised by county and parish.
Archaeology Scotland
Scottish Graveyards. The site provides the resources groups need to take on all aspects of graveyard recording and conservation. Documents include ‘An introduction to graveyard recording’ and ‘Graveyard recording’.
Unlock Your Past
Using Scottish Monumental Inscriptions, by Sarah Smith.
Graveyards of Scotland
Gravestone symbols.
Archaeology Scotland
Scottish Graveyards. Graveyard resources. Resources, links and articles relating to Scottish graveyards.
Archaeology Scotland
Graveyard recording.
Scotlands Family
Stories on Searching for Scottish Ancestors: Visiting Your Gravestone, by Dr Brian Thomson
Historic Environment Scotland
Researching Your Graveyard. A guide to the major sources of information for those researching the history of an individual burial ground.
National Records of Scotland
Useful Websites: Monumental Inscriptions. Explore links for information about local burial grounds in Scotland.
SmugMug
Scotfot. Scottish Gravestones. A series of image galleries of Scottish graveyards, located mostly in south-east Scotland the Lothians and the Borders.
Southern Necropolis
The website is dedicated to promoting the historical and educational assets of Glasgow’s Southern Necropolis, opened 1840. Over 250,000 individuals are interred within the many lairs of the cemetery.
Online Databases
Findmypast
Parish Burials in Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records. Findmypast offer an extensive collection of monumental inscription records across England and Wales. Major MI collections include:
- Scotland
- Greater London Burial Index
- Warwickshire
- Essex
- Yorkshire
- Lincolnshire
- Montgomeryshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Dorset
- Staffordshire
- Middlesex
- Sussex
To restrict and filter your search to a county or place or dataset, click on ‘Browse Record Set’ on the ‘Parish Burials in Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records’ search page.
Deceased Online
The site provides a central database for UK and Republic of Ireland burial and cremation records. Users can search records by country, region, county, burial authority or crematorium. Included in the records are monumental inscriptions and headstone collections. Scottish resources include photographs of grave (lair) memorials with searchable transcripts of the inscriptions from over 250 cemeteries and burial grounds across Scotland dating back to 1526.
BillionGraves
Billion Graves is the world’s largest resource for searchable cemetery data providing transcribed records and images from the world’s cemeteries. Members of the public can collect photos of headstones in a local cemetery and then upload the photo and headstone transcription. The records are available at Findmypast covering England and Wales and other partner sites MyHeritage and FamilySearch.
Find a Grave
The database contains an index to cemetery and burial details posted on Find A Grave by volunteers who upload images of grave markers from around the world as well as photos, biographies and other details. The records are available at partner sites Ancestry and FamilySearch.
Ancestry
Norfolk Monumental Inscriptions, 1600-1900’s.
Findmypast
Gloucestershire, Bigland’s Monumental Inscriptions. Search transcripts of monumental inscriptions recorded in Ralph Bigland’s publication ‘Historical, Monumental and Genealogical Collections Relative to the County of Gloucester’.
SoG Data Online
Society of Genealogists Digital collections. Search millions of records, transcripts, indexes and images from our library including a collection of Monumental Inscriptions from counties across England.
The Genealogist
International Headstone Collection. The collection includes photographs and transcriptions of monumental inscriptions from various churchyards and cemeteries.
National Burial Grounds Survey
The Survey is a major, seven-year initiative commissioned by the Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Its goal is to survey, accurately map, photograph, and digitise the records of all Church of England churchyards in England, working diocese by diocese and churchyard by churchyard.
Wishful Thinking
Local History Pages. Memorial Inscription Collection covering Gloucestershire and a number of nearby counties.
Online Genealogical Index
The site locates and lists available free and paid for family history records covering a particular county, town or village covering England, Wales and the Isle of Man. The site is particularly useful for locating birth, baptism, marriage, death, burial and cemetery records as well as monumental inscriptions, school records, war memorials and family pedigrees.
UKBMD
The volunteer led site provides links to websites that offer on-line transcriptions of GRO and local births, marriages and deaths indexes as well as censuses returns. A wide range of other indexes and transcriptions are also available for most counties. These may include parish records, wills and monumental inscriptions.
Everafter
The site offers transcribed cemetery and burial records and monumental inscriptions with photographs of graves or headstones available for many entries. Country coverage includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, Ireland as well as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. The site has interactive cemetery maps to locate and view exact burial sites.
Interment.net
Cemetery Records Online: The website contains 25 plus million cemetery records, transcripts and burial registers from tens of thousands of cemeteries across the world including England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Gravestone Photographic Resource
The site offers photographs and transcriptions from burial grounds and grave monuments covering England and worldwide.
Norfolk Family History Society
Monumental Inscriptions. Search the index of monumental inscriptions held by the Society. The index will show whether or not a survey of the monumental inscriptions for a particular Norfolk parish has been made.
Kent Archaeological Society
Kent Monumental Inscriptions. The site provides access to transcribed inscriptions found in churchyards and graveyards across Kent.
North West Kent FHS
Ladywell & Brockley Cemetery Memorial Inscriptions. Search transcripts of some 13,700 gravestones with the names of nearly 37,000 individuals located in Lewisham and Deptford,
Cornish Cemetery Index
Search an estimated 20,000 transcribed headstones in a number of cemeteries in the West Penwith area of Cornwall.
Cornwall OPC Database
Search transcriptions of Cornish Memorial Inscriptions.
Duncan & Mandy
Wiltshire gravestone transcriptions with photos.
Friends of Brixham Libary
Cowtown, Brixham 1850-1900. Searchable and browsable transcriptions of memorial headstones in the St Mary’s Parish Church Brixham.
Old Mersey Times
Liverpool and Merseyside Graveyards. Explore monumental inscriptions for a number of graveyards in Liverpool and Merseyside.
FamilySearch
Norfolk, Monumental Inscriptions, 1600-1900’s. Browse copies of Monumental Inscriptions for parishes in Norfolk.
Wirksworth Parish Records
Transcribed data covering 40 square miles around Wirksworth and Matlock, Derbyshire. Data sets include Parish Records 1600-1900, Derbyshire Wills 1525-1928, census returns, Petty sessions, Memorial Inscriptions, Board of Guardians, Hearth Tax and others.
Pickard’s Pink Pages for Warwickshire
Search Warwickshire Monumental Inscriptions.
Shropshire FHS
Monumental Inscriptions. The Society has indexed over 9,000 surnames from over 350 County Burial and Commemorative Sites (Monumental Inscriptions/MI’s), which are available to search.
Jewellery Quarter Research Trust
Search transcribed memorials from the Key Hill and Warstone Lane Cemeteries, Birmingham.
Wishful Thinking
Parish Records Database. Search transcripts of baptisms, marriages and burials extracted from a variety of sources including MIs and Bishop’s Transcripts and focussing on Derbyshire.
Scotland
Findmypast
Scotland Monumental Inscriptions. Search transcriptions from multiple Scottish counties including the Isle of Skye, Angus and Fife from as early as 1507 to 2016. These records were created by a variety of family history societies and independent licensors. See the website for a full list of the burial grounds available.
Scottish Association of Family History Societies
Burial Grounds. The site offers a searchable database of burial grounds in Scotland with information on over 3,500 burial sites across the country organised by county and parish.
Ancestry
West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, Burial Register and Monumental Inscriptions, 1855-2024. This collection is an assemblage of burial registers and monument inscriptions from cemeteries in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. The collection also includes purchase books for “lairs,” or burial plots.
Aberdeen & NE Scotland FHS
Search a name index of over 120 MI booklets published by ANESFHS covering more than 170 separate sites.
Find A Grave in Scotland
The website helps locate the final resting places of ancestors in Scotland covering over 3,000 cemeteries across mainland Scotland and its islands. Users can search by name, region or date to find graves and headstones.
Scottish Monumental Inscriptions
Scottish Monumental Inscriptions is a resource dedicated to photographing and transcribing burial grounds across Scotland with access to a collection of gravestone inscriptions.
Ancestry
Scotland, Burial Monument Inscriptions, 1507-2024. The indexes and photographs were created by Scottish Monumental Inscriptions, an organisation created with the aim of photographing burial grounds around Scotland.
National Library of Scotland
Index of published monumental inscriptions. This database gives details of published monumental inscriptions, burial and mortcloth records held in the National Library of Scotland’s collections.
CD Roms
GenFair
Browse tens of thousands of family history products from hundreds of suppliers. The largest range of products covering the British Isles including county and parish coverage of M.I. transcriptions. Titles include the ‘Bigland Collection’ of Gloucestershire MIs)
S & N Genealogy Supplies
Churchyard inscriptions of London including inscriptions from over fifty churches in the City of London; Monumental inscriptions from St Mary’s in Lewisham, 1889; Dwelly’s monumental inscriptions for Devon; Herefordshire monumental inscriptions index; Salisbury Cathedral monumental and gravestones inscriptions.
Herefordshire Family History Society
Transcription and index of mainly Church of England parish monumental inscriptions.
Midland Ancestors
Wolverhampton, St Peter. Monumental Inscriptions (Transcripts), including Surname Index.
Gloucestershire FHS
Memorial Inscription Index Gloucestershire.
Berkshire Family History Society
Various collections of monumental inscriptions for a number of Berkshire parishes.
Lancashire Family History & Heraldry Society
Monumental Inscriptions covering various Lancashire parish churches.
