Services

Dedicated Stonemasonry Services in Somerset & Dorset

A Dedicated & Personal Service

A Wide Range of Services

Here at Appleby & Childs we specialise in crafting high-quality memorials, gravestones and plaques. We offer a wide range of services, including the design, production and installation of bespoke memorial headstones, tablets and plaques, including house number/name plaques, as well as restoration and maintenance of existing stone memorials.

Traditional Masonry & Expert Lettering

What sets Appleby & Childs apart is our commitment to traditional masonry techniques that have been passed down through generations. While many modern memorials use standard machine finishes, we continue to offer the high-level craftsmanship that defines a truly bespoke tribute.

Our master masons specialise in a variety of lettering and carving styles, ensuring your memorial or house sign is unique:

  • Lettering & Finishes: We provide Hand-Carved and Sand-Blasted lettering, as well as the rare and highly durable skill of Inlaid and Raised Lead Lettering. These can be finished in a variety of styles, including Gilded Gold Leaf and hand-painted enamels.

  • Natural Materials: We work with an extensive range of premium materials, including Granite, Slate, Marble, and traditional soft stones like Portland Stone and Nabresina.

From a simple house number to a grand churchyard monument, our focus is on precision, durability, and the timeless quality of natural stone.

Attention To Detail

At Appleby & Childs, our attention to detail is rooted in a deep respect for the materials we work with and the stories they represent. Our expert team is dedicated to providing a personalised and compassionate service, ensuring that every memorial is far more than just a stone—it is a precisely crafted tribute designed to honour your loved one for generations.

Precision in Every Stroke

From the initial sketch to the final chisel blow, we focus on the nuances that define quality stonemasonry. This includes the exact spacing of hand-carved lettering, the depth of sand-blasted inscriptions, and the delicate application of 23.5ct gold leaf. We ensure that every line is sharp and every finish is durable.

Navigating Local Regulations

True attention to detail also means getting the paperwork right. We meticulously manage the application process for the Diocese of Bath & Wells, Exeter, and Salisbury, as well as local authority cemeteries. We ensure that the stone type, size, and even the wording meet the specific, often complex, requirements of the burial ground, so you don’t have the added stress of administrative delays.

A Compassionate Approach

We understand that choosing a memorial is a deeply personal journey. Our team takes the time to listen to your needs, providing expert guidance on material suitability and design proportions to ensure the final result is a fitting and dignified legacy.

Quality That Lasts​

Memorials & Headstones

House Signs

Repairs & Maintenance

A Family Business with 140 Years of Heritage

Since 1886, Appleby & Childs has remained an independent, family-run business deeply rooted in the Yeovil community. We pride ourselves on the personal care we extend to every customer, understanding that the work we do represents a significant and lasting moment in a family’s history.

A Legacy of Trust

Being a family business means our reputation is built into every stone we carve. Unlike national providers, we offer a continuity of service that spans generations; it is not uncommon for us to maintain memorials today that were originally crafted by our predecessors over a century ago. This longevity is a testament to our commitment to quality and the enduring relationships we build with the families of Somerset and Dorset.

Here When You Need Us

We understand that choosing a memorial often comes at a difficult time. Our family-led team provides a supportive, pressure-free environment where you can seek expert advice at your own pace. Whether you are visiting our Yeovil office or meeting us at a local parish, you will receive the dedicated attention of a specialist who treats your project with the same care as they would for their own family.

Rooted in the Community

Our heritage gives us an unrivalled understanding of local traditions and the specific requirements of the Diocese of Bath & Wells, Exeter, and Salisbury. We aren’t just stonemasons; we are the guardians of local history, ensuring that every tribute we create is a fitting addition to our region’s beautiful churchyards and cemeteries.

FAQ

Do You Have Any Questions?

Click on through to our Frequenty Asked Questions page where we hope to answer any queries you may have.

Contact Us

01935 410101