What are ...?

Monumental Inscriptions (MIs) are a vital source of information to the family historian. Put simply, they are the text that has been carved, written or engraved onto a headstone, tomb or memorial.

The amount of detail obtainable from a headstone can vary. The image on the right shows what can happen to headstones exposed to the elements and, while our team of experts have developed a vast arsenal of 'rescue' skills, occasionally, we can be beaten by the weather! Fortunately, having started our work some thirty years ago, we do have a valid record of many stones which have now been destroyed by time, weather, vandals and churchyard clearance programmes.

The MIs offered in the EYFHS MI Collection are the result of many thousands of hours of research by society members and provide a full transcription of all legible information displayed on each tombstone. Each booklet also includes a site plan and full index of names.