The W.S. Moore branch on Malpas Road
Book Headstones
By W.S. Moore
Discover our exquisitely designed memorials, painstakingly sculpted by seasoned master stonemasons with a heritage that traces its roots to our founding in 1920. These gracefully crafted memorials make for a perfect selection for cemeteries in Newport and the neighboring regions. Uncover the essence of our offerings below.
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Book Headstones
Our Range
Book-inspired headstones have become a favored choice for those who wish to pay a unique and heartfelt tribute to their cherished ones.
At W.S. Moore, our team of highly skilled memorial artisans possesses the expertise to meticulously craft and inscribe a variety of book-shaped tombstones, ensuring each one serves as a profound testament to the enduring memory of your loved one.
We offer a selection of pre-designed book styles for your consideration, or we can collaborate closely with you to create a custom masterpiece that authentically captures the essence of your loved one’s life and enduring legacy. Our unwavering commitment to precision craftsmanship and keen attention to detail guarantees that your book-inspired memorial will stand as a fitting tribute destined to withstand the test of time for generations to come.

Browse the Range
We offer the finest book headstones available to Newport and beyond. Search now for the perfect tribute to your loved one.

Download a Brochure
See our full catalogue of the finest memorials available in Newport and beyond – plus a range of special offers to suit all requirements.
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White Marble Book Memorial with Carved Angel
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Black Granite Book Memorial with Side Flower Vase
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Blue Pearl Granite Book Memorial with Carved Cord & Tassel and Shaped Pages
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Dark Grey Granite Raised Tablet with Hand Carved and Highlighted Roses
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Black Granite Classic Book Set with Cord, Tassel and Sandblasted Pages
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Light Grey Granite Book Memorial with Carved Rose Design
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Black Granite Book Memorial with Stepped and Polished Page Edges
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Black Granite Mock Bookset on Wide Rest
Choosing the Perfect Book Headstone
The symbol of a book holds enduring significance across diverse cultures, symbolising wisdom, enlightenment, and faith. Additionally, it frequently embodies the concept of a ‘book of life’ when incorporated into the design of a headstone or another commemorative structure.
The appeal of book-shaped tombstones has witnessed a remarkable surge, making them a profound choice for those seeking to pay homage to a loved one’s memory. Furthermore, these book-inspired memorials often serve as a tribute to multiple individuals laid to rest together.
We at W.S. Moore present a wide range of book headstone designs for your consideration. Our adept team of memorial artisans and designers is also at your service, ready to collaborate with you in crafting a unique design that beautifully mirrors the personality and passions of your dear one.

A small selection of the book headstones we offer
Book Headstone Materials & Colours

In our array of book-shaped memorials, you’ll find a diverse selection of materials and finishes, providing a spectrum of colors and tones in specific options.
Every material employed in crafting these headstones comes with its distinct advantages, whether it be for its visual appeal, enduring durability, or low maintenance requirements.
Popular Book Headstone Materials

Granite

Limestone

York Stone

White Marble

Portland Stone

Forest of Dean Stone

Sandstone

Nabresina Stone

Welsh Slate
Popular Book Headstone Colours
We offer a wide range of colours and shades, although options will be dependent on the memorial material that is used.
Below you can view an indication of the various colours and shades that are available in our granite and natural stone materials.

Black

Light Grey

Dark Grey

Avon Grey

Star Galaxy

Brown

Bahama Blue

Blue Pearl

Ruby Red

Balmoral Red

Twilight Red

Teak

Pink

Emerald Pearl

Fir Green

Imperial Green

Ocean Green

Tropical Green

Yellow (York Stone)

White

White Marble
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Fine-Craft Etching
for Book Headstones
Enhance a book headstone by adorning it with meticulously crafted etchings of images or photographs, infusing it with character, personality, and an unparalleled sense of uniqueness.

Why choose us
for your Book Headstone
- Established memorial masons since 1920
- Ability to create bespoke memorials with unrivalled craftsmanship
- Over 100 years of industry experience
- The W.S. Moore 30 year memorial guarantee
- The W.S. Moore price promise
- Fully accredited by BRAMM
- A remarkable selection of colours, materials & styles
- The Memorial Aftercare® service
- Available home visit service


Installation
Services
Once our team of highly skilled memorial stonemasons has painstakingly designed and crafted your book headstone, the next pivotal phase involves the expert installation of the memorial at your chosen burial site.
Leveraging our extensive knowledge of the cemeteries in and around Newport, we are uniquely positioned to provide expert guidance and recommendations on the most appropriate types of book headstones for the various cemeteries and churchyards in the Newport area.
When you place your trust in us for the installation of your book headstone, you can take solace in the assurance that your selected memorial will be installed with the utmost precision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our services
Designed with your loved one’s
memorial in mind

Memorial Aftercare®
Our service offers a fully comprehensive maintenance solution for your loved one’s memorial, providing you with complete peace of mind that it will be thoroughly checked, cleaned, and cared for.

Memorial Insurance
With StoneGuard’s “All Risks” cover, you can rest assured that both your old and new family memorials are fully protected and insured. We guarantee that any damage to your headstone will be covered.

Memorial Restoration
At a fair price, our experienced and renowned memorial masons offer an expert stone restoration service to carefully and intricately restore your headstone to its former illustrious beauty.
Read our blog
An insight into W.S. Moore memorials
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Book Headstone
FAQs
How Do I Choose A Book Headstone?
When searching for a reliable memorial stonemason, there are several important factors to consider. It’s crucial to assess their experience in monumental stonemasonry, any accreditations they may have, their level of craftsmanship, product quality, and familiarity with the cemetery where the headstone will be placed. Equally essential is feeling comfortable working with the stonemasons to design and create the perfect memorial for your loved one.
It’s worth noting that most memorial stonemasons require a deposit upon placing an order. Therefore, it’s essential to have confidence in the stonemasons’ ability to complete the work and remain in business to avoid losing your deposit. Opting for an established memorial mason directly, rather than going through a middleman like a funeral director, can also help avoid additional costs.
Ultimately, selecting a reputable and well-established memorial stonemason will ensure peace of mind and guarantee that your loved one’s memorial is crafted to the highest standard.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Memorial Stonemason?
When searching for a reliable memorial stonemason, there are several important factors to consider. It’s crucial to assess their experience in monumental stonemasonry, any accreditations they may have, their level of craftsmanship, product quality, and familiarity with the cemetery where the headstone will be placed. Equally essential is feeling comfortable working with the stonemasons to design and create the perfect memorial for your loved one.
It’s worth noting that most memorial stonemasons require a deposit upon placing an order. Therefore, it’s essential to have confidence in the stonemasons’ ability to complete the work and remain in business to avoid losing your deposit. Opting for an established memorial mason directly, rather than going through a middleman like a funeral director, can also help avoid additional costs.
Ultimately, selecting a reputable and well-established memorial stonemason will ensure peace of mind and guarantee that your loved one’s memorial is crafted to the highest standard.
Can You Help Me Choose A Book Headstone?
We are more than happy to discuss all of your options in detail to assist you in making a decision about which book-shaped headstone would best suit your needs. Our team can walk you through the advantages of various materials, present you with a selection of book styles and designs that meet your specifications, and explain the variety of engraving and detailing possibilities that are accessible for each specific headstone.
What Is The Best Material For A Headstone?
Selecting the ideal material for your headstone depends on various factors, such as the style, lettering, carving specifications, colour, texture, and location. Our memorial stonemasonry company offers a wide selection of popular headstone materials, including granite, slate, limestone, york stone, and more. For those looking for a book headstone in a specific colour, granite material is often the best option due to its vast range of colours and shades. However, it’s essential to check if your cemetery has any regulations regarding the acceptable headstone colours.
Are Book Headstones Available In Different Colours?
Certainly, we offer a range of colours for our book-shaped headstones, including a variety of colours and shades in our granite material. Choosing a coloured book headstone can be a personal way to honour and remember a loved one, perhaps by crafting the memorial in a granite of their favourite colour or as a way to add a touch of uniqueness to their tribute.
However, it’s important to note that cemeteries and churchyards may have specific regulations regarding the colours of headstones allowed on their grounds. We recommend checking with the cemetery or churchyard before making a final decision on the colour of your book headstone.
How Long Should I Wait Before Getting A Book Headstone?
Selecting a headstone to memorialise a loved one can be an emotionally challenging task. Therefore, we suggest taking ample time to carefully consider your options and ensure that you are creating a tribute that appropriately honours their life. There is no definitive timeline for making this decision, and we encourage you to take as much time as you need to arrive at a choice that feels right for you and your family.
To ensure the stability of the headstone and to prevent any potential damage, it is generally recommended by cemeteries to wait for 6-12 months after the burial before erecting a headstone. This allows the ground to settle properly and minimises the risk of the headstone sinking or tilting over time. It is always advisable to check with the specific cemetery you plan to use for any regulations or guidelines they may have regarding headstone installation.
The length of time you have to wait before installing a memorial can vary depending on the cemetery and the type of memorial you choose. For example, some cemeteries may require the aforementioned waiting period of 6-12 months before allowing a headstone to be installed, while the same cemetery may permit the installation of a cremation memorial immediately.
If you’re unsure about the specific requirements of a cemetery in Newport or nearby areas, our knowledgeable and experienced staff can offer advice and guidance to help you navigate the process.
Ultimately, the decision of when to install a headstone on a grave is a personal one and there is no prescribed time frame. It’s important to take the time you need to feel ready to honour your loved one in the way that feels most appropriate to you – time can usually better help you decide on the book headstone itself as well as the engraved inscription.
Can I Choose A Book Headstone Design That Isn’t In Your Brochure?
In most cases, yes, we can create a bespoke book headstone design to meet your specific requirements. Our memorial stonemasons are highly skilled and experienced, so if you provide us with an image or description of the design you have in mind, we will do our best to help. We understand that book shaped headstones are a popular choice and you may want a unique design that stands out or a replica of a book headstone you saw and admired elsewhere.
How Long Does It Take To Make A Book Headstone?
Creating a headstone, whether in the shape of a book or any other design, and engraving its inscription requires a great deal of skill. As a result, it can take some time to complete your book headstone order, typically several weeks or even months. The exact timeframe will depend on the current demand of things such as existing orders and stone materials, so we recommend asking for an up-to-date estimated lead time when placing your order to get a more accurate answer.
Can I Add Something To A Book Headstone?
Without a doubt, you can make alterations or additions to an already existing book headstone. These modifications might include adding a unique design, an engraved feature, or an additional inscription with a different font or text. We would be honoured to have a conversation with you about your preferences and offer details about the available amendments that can be made to the headstone.
What Is The Average Cost Of A Book Headstone?
It’s challenging to estimate the cost of a headstone, regardless of whether it is a simple upright design or something more bespoke. This is due to the fact that every headstone is unique, and the price is determined by various factors such as size, inscription, type of headstone, and ever-changing material costs, rather than just the labour required to craft it. To obtain an accurate quote, we suggest speaking with a representative who can consider your specific requirements at the time.
Nevertheless, we guarantee that our prices are highly competitive, and we provide a price promise. If you discover a product of comparable quality from a recognised and reputable local memorial mason or funeral director at a lower cost, we will offer a discount on the price.
Do You Offer A Guarantee With Your Book Headstones?
Certainly, all of our book headstones as well as any other type of memorial come with our 30-year guarantee.
Do You Hold Any Memorial Accreditation?
Yes, we are BRAMM (British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons) approved, and a registered and fully licensed memorial mason with over 100 years industry experience having first established ourselves way back in 1920.
Can I View Proofs Of The Headstone First?
Prior to production, we can supply you with design proofs of the book headstone. In the event that you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the design, we can modify the layout or style until it aligns with your specifications. We recognise the importance of crafting the perfect book headstone for you and your loved one and are dedicated to collaborating with you closely throughout the entire process.
Do You Ship Headstone Orders Overseas?
We have experience in shipping memorials overseas, but it’s important to note that there are additional expenses involved. These may include specialised packaging, insurance, and taxes or fees.