Frequently Asked Questions

A Book of Remembrance is a permanent and affordable memorial that records the name and memory of a loved one in a beautifully handcrafted book designed to last for generations.

These books are created using traditional methods that date back centuries, closely following the same styles and techniques once used by monks in monasteries to produce historic manuscripts. Each volume is carefully hand-bound using archival-quality materials, and every entry is written by skilled calligraphers to ensure clarity, dignity, and permanence.

An entry in a Book of Remembrance is not temporary. It becomes a lasting record, preserved within a volume specifically made to endure for centuries, and potentially even millennia when properly cared for. This permanence is what gives the Book of Remembrance its special significance. It is not simply a display, but a permanent tribute that honours a life and preserves a memory for future generations.

The books are arranged so that each day of the year has its own page. They are opened daily to display the names recorded for that date, allowing families and visitors to view their loved one's entry on meaningful anniversaries.

Today, many Books of Remembrance are also available to view online, allowing families to access the same permanent record from anywhere in the world, while the original handcrafted book remains the central and enduring memorial.

Requesting an entry in the Book of Remembrance is straightforward, and there are several ways to begin the process.

You can complete the entry request form directly on this website, which will guide you step by step through the information required. The form allows you to provide the name, dates, and wording you would like included, and to select from the available layout and style options. You may also choose decorative artwork from the gallery, or upload your own reference image if you would like something more personal included in the design.

Alternatively, you may contact the Bereavement Team at your local crematorium. They are experienced in helping families create meaningful and fitting memorials, and they will guide you through the available options. Once the details have been agreed, the Bereavement Team will submit the request on your behalf.

After your request has been received, the wording will be carefully checked and prepared to ensure it is clear and suitable for inscription. Your entry will then be hand-written by a skilled calligrapher and added to the Book of Remembrance at the appropriate time, in keeping with the display schedule of the book.

If you are unsure about what to include, support is always available. The Bereavement Team can help you choose suitable wording, layout, and artwork to ensure your entry reflects the memory of your loved one in a respectful and lasting way.

A good Book of Remembrance entry is clear, personal, and dignified. While every entry is unique, most follow a traditional structure that has been used for generations.

The first line usually contains the full name of the person being remembered. It is customary for the surname to appear first, followed by the other names you wish to include. This line is normally written in a slightly larger size and often in a different colour to distinguish it from the rest of the entry.

The second line often includes the date of birth and date of death. This is traditional but optional, and some families choose to include only one date or none at all.

Additional lines are used to describe the person and reflect something about their life. Many families include a short phrase that captures personality, relationships, or achievements. This might refer to their role in the family, a personal quality, or something they were known for. A Book of Remembrance entry is not only a memorial, it is also a lasting record of a life lived.

Each entry is written by hand by a qualified calligrapher in the same style as the other entries on the page. To maintain a balanced and dignified appearance, each line can contain only a certain number of characters. If you complete the online request form, the system will automatically guide you and calculate the available space to ensure your entry fits comfortably within the design.

You may also choose to include decorative artwork to accompany your entry. Artwork can be selected from the gallery or based on your own reference image. Many families choose artwork that reflects a hobby, interest, or passion, such as knitting wool and needles, a model aeroplane, or a fishing scene by the river.

All artwork is drawn by hand by skilled artists, and designs should always remain tasteful and respectful. Portraits of faces are generally not recommended, as the artwork area is small and fine facial detail cannot be represented clearly.

The time it takes for your entry to appear in the Book of Remembrance depends on the display cycle used at your local crematorium.

Books of Remembrance are normally displayed for several months at a time, often for 3, 4, or 6 months depending on the size of the book. While the book is on display, it remains available for visitors to view and cannot be removed for updating.

Once the display period has finished, the book is carefully taken off display and sent to the FG Marshall Studio, where all new entries for that period are added by hand. This is a highly specialised process, and each entry is individually written and checked to ensure it meets the standards of the book. Depending on the number and complexity of entries, this stage can take several weeks.

After all new entries have been completed, the book is returned to the crematorium and placed back on display for the next scheduled period.

Because of this cycle, most entries appear in the Book of Remembrance during the year following the date the request was made. For example, if you request an entry in June and your crematorium uses a four-month display cycle, the book containing the June pages will usually be updated early in the following year and placed back on display from April.

Not all crematoria follow exactly the same process. In some cases, entries may be written on site by a skilled calligrapher, which can allow entries to appear sooner. Your Bereavement Team will be able to advise you of the expected timeline for your specific location.

If you have ordered a handmade card or miniature book copy of your entry, these are normally produced within approximately six weeks of your request, once the order has been received by the Studio.

No. All entries in the Book of Remembrance are written entirely by hand.

Every name, date, and line of wording is carefully inscribed using traditional calligraphy methods. When a Book of Remembrance arrives at the FG Marshall Studio, each new entry is first planned and positioned in its correct place on the correct date page. This ensures that the layout remains balanced and consistent with the existing entries.

The book is then taken to the Scriptorium, where your entry is written by hand by a highly trained calligrapher using a traditional dip pen. These methods have remained largely unchanged for centuries and follow the same traditions used in historic manuscripts, including those produced in monastic scriptoria.

Once the calligraphy has been completed, the entry is carefully checked for accuracy and quality. If decorative artwork has been requested, the book is then passed to the artists' studio, where the artwork is painted by hand by a skilled miniature artist. The artwork area is small, often no larger than a 50 pence coin, and may require many hours of careful attention to achieve the required level of detail.

Only high-quality archival materials are used throughout the process. Where gold is included in the design, it is applied using genuine 23 carat gold. Traditional inks are selected for their permanence and stability, helping to ensure that entries remain clear and legible for generations.

If you have ordered memorial cards or miniature booklets, these are also produced by skilled artists using the same care and attention given to the original entry. Each item is created individually to reflect the same dignity and craftsmanship found in the Book of Remembrance itself.

An entry in the Book of Remembrance offers a permanent and lasting tribute that preserves the memory of a loved one for generations.

Many forms of memorial, such as stones, plaques, benches, or trees, are available for a fixed period of time, often lasting between 5 and 30 years depending on the location and type of memorial chosen. These memorials provide a meaningful place to visit and reflect, but they may eventually be removed or replaced once their lease period comes to an end.

A Book of Remembrance entry is different. It is designed to be permanent. Once an entry has been written into the book, it becomes part of a lasting historical record that remains preserved within a volume made to endure for centuries. These books are carefully handcrafted using traditional methods and long-lasting materials, following techniques that have been used since the medieval period to create manuscripts intended to survive for generations.

When a Book of Remembrance volume is eventually filled, it is not discarded. It is respectfully archived and preserved as part of the permanent memorial record. This means that long into the future, your entry will still exist as a record of a life remembered.

A Book of Remembrance also allows families to include personal wording that reflects the character, relationships, and story of the person being remembered. It is not simply a name on a surface, but a written tribute that records something meaningful about a life lived.

Many families choose to have both, a Book of Remembrance entry alongside another type of memorial, allowing them to create a tribute that offers both a physical place to visit and a permanent written record.

Most crematoria offer a choice of entry sizes based on a set number of lines. The most common options are 2 lines, 5 lines, or 8 lines.

Many crematoria also allow additional lines to be added beyond the standard options. These extra lines are usually available at an additional cost, allowing you the flexibility to include more wording if you wish.

If you would like to include decorative artwork alongside your entry, it is important to note that a minimum of 5 lines is normally required. This allows enough space for the artwork to be added without overcrowding the design and ensures that the finished entry remains balanced and dignified. You are welcome to include as many lines as you feel are needed to create a meaningful tribute. The online order form will guide you through the available options and help ensure that your wording fits within the chosen layout.

Once your request has been submitted, a member of the Crematorium Memorial Team will review the details with you. They will confirm the wording, verify the number of lines selected, and arrange payment before the order is finalised.

Yes, changes can usually be made after submitting your request by contacting the Bereavement Team at your crematorium.

After your request has been submitted, the Bereavement Team will review the details with you to ensure everything is correct before the entry is passed to the FG Marshall Studio for inscription. If you notice a spelling mistake or wish to make changes to wording, layout, or artwork, it is important to contact the Bereavement Team as soon as possible so the changes can be made before the entry is written.

In some cases, changes can still be made even after an entry has been written in the Book of Remembrance. This involves carefully removing the original entry and rewriting it, which is a highly skilled and meticulous process. For this reason, changes made after inscription are not recommended unless absolutely necessary, and a small charge may apply.

To avoid delays or additional costs, it is always advisable to check spelling and wording carefully before confirming your final request.

Before starting your request, it is helpful to gather a few key details to ensure the process is smooth and straightforward.

You will normally need the full name of the person being remembered, including the surname and any additional names you would like included in the entry.

You may also wish to have the date of birth and date of death available, although including dates is optional and based on personal preference.

It is helpful to prepare the wording you would like to include in the entry. This may be a short message, a phrase, or a description that reflects something personal about the life being remembered.

If you would like to include artwork, you may wish to browse the gallery in advance or prepare a reference image that reflects a hobby, interest, or personal symbol connected to your loved one.

You will also need to know the crematorium or memorial location where the Book of Remembrance is held, as entries are placed in the book specific to that location.

Having this information ready before starting will help you complete the request more easily and ensure that your entry reflects the memory of your loved one in a clear and meaningful way.

Yes, you may include decorative artwork or personal symbols in your Book of Remembrance entry.

Many families choose to include artwork that reflects a hobby, interest, or something meaningful about the person being remembered. This might include flowers, musical instruments, sporting interests, knitting, fishing, gardening, or other personal themes that help tell the story of a life.

You can select artwork from the gallery provided on this site, or you may upload your own reference image if you have a specific idea in mind. Our artists will use this reference to create a hand-painted design suitable for the size and style of the Book of Remembrance.

All artwork is carefully drawn and painted by hand by skilled miniature artists. Because the artwork area is small, typically no larger than a 50 pence coin, designs must be clear and suitable for miniature detail. A minimum of 5 lines is normally required to include artwork, to ensure there is enough space for the design to be added without overcrowding the entry.

It is important that all artwork remains respectful and appropriate for a memorial setting. Portraits of faces are generally not recommended, as the limited size makes it difficult to represent facial features clearly.

If you choose to order Memorial Cards or Marmoreal Copies, the artwork included in these items is not printed or copied. Each piece is created by hand by the same skilled artists who produced the original artwork in the Book of Remembrance. This means that every Marmoreal Copy is a carefully hand-made replica of the artwork placed in the Book, created with the same attention to detail and craftsmanship.

If you are unsure whether your artwork idea is suitable, the Bereavement Team will be happy to advise and help you choose a design that fits comfortably within the available space.

Yes, special symbols such as military badges, regimental crests, coats of arms, heraldic designs, club emblems, and other meaningful insignia can be included as artwork within your entry.

Many families choose to include symbols that represent service, achievements, heritage, or important affiliations. These designs can form a meaningful part of the memorial and help reflect the life and identity of the person being remembered.

To ensure accuracy, we strongly recommend uploading a clear reference image when requesting this type of artwork. Providing a good-quality reference helps our artists recreate the correct design and ensures that the finished artwork matches the original symbol as closely as possible.

As with all artwork, it is important to remember that the design will be created at a small scale, typically around the size of a 50 pence coin. Very detailed designs may need to be simplified slightly to ensure they remain clear and recognisable when completed.

All symbols and designs are carefully recreated by hand by skilled artists, ensuring that each entry remains consistent with the traditional style and dignity of the Book of Remembrance.

Yes, it is possible to include more than one person in a single Book of Remembrance entry.

Many families choose to create entries for more than one person, and this is especially common for married couples. A shared entry allows loved ones to be remembered together and can provide a meaningful way to reflect family connections.

It is also quite common for families to request that entries are kept together. In many cases, when an entry is arranged, space can be reserved next to it or directly beneath it for a future entry, either for themselves or for another loved one.

If you would like to reserve space for a future entry, it is important to contact the Bereavement Team at the appropriate crematorium. They will be able to advise whether space reservation is available and arrange this on your behalf.

Miniature Books are often chosen when families wish to include more than one entry in a single keepsake. These books are designed with multiple spaces for several entries and are intended to serve as a family memorial. Many families keep these books as treasured items that can be passed down through generations.

In most cases, you will be able to view your entry online once it has been added to the Book of Remembrance, although this service is not available at all crematoria.

Many crematoria now provide online access to their Book of Remembrance, allowing families and visitors to view entries from anywhere in the world. This can be especially helpful for those who are unable to visit in person or who live some distance away.

Online entries are created using high-quality images of the original handwritten pages from the Book of Remembrance. This ensures that what you see online reflects the true appearance of the handwritten entry in the book.

Online entries can be viewed on any internet-enabled device with a web browser, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones.

As not all crematoria currently offer online viewing, it is always worth checking with the Bereavement Team at your local crematorium to confirm whether this service is available and when your entry is expected to appear online.

Yes, you can request an entry in the Book of Remembrance regardless of how long ago the person passed away.

There is no time limit for creating an entry, and many families choose to arrange memorial entries months, years, or even decades after a loss. Some families decide to create an entry at a later date when they feel ready, while others arrange entries to mark special anniversaries or to honour loved ones who may not have had a memorial at the time.

When requesting an entry, you may choose a date that is meaningful to you, such as the anniversary of death, date of birth, wedding anniversary, or another special day that holds significance.

Creating an entry at a later stage is a meaningful way to ensure that a loved one's memory is permanently recorded, even if many years have passed.

All Book of Remembrance entries follow a traditional layout to ensure that every page remains dignified, balanced, and respectful to all those remembered.

The first line must always contain the name of the person being remembered. This is written with the surname first, followed by the other names you wish to include. Nicknames may also be included if they were commonly used or held special meaning.

The second line normally contains dates, such as the date of birth and date of passing. While this is traditional and helpful for record keeping for future generations, it is not strictly required. Dates may also be included within the message itself if preferred.

The remaining lines are used for the personal message. This is where families can include words that reflect the life, character, and relationships of the person being remembered.

Books of Remembrance belong to the crematorium and are carefully maintained to ensure that all entries complement one another. Each page contains many entries, and following a consistent structure ensures that every entry appears respectful and in keeping with the dignity of the book.

Simple phrases such as "Rest in Peace," "Forever Missed," or "Always in Our Hearts" are commonly used, but many families also choose to include something more personal that reflects the individual.

Examples of suitable personal wording include:

• A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend
• A loving husband and a pillar of the community
• A dedicated teacher who inspired generations
• A proud farmer who loved his sheep and the countryside
• A keen gardener with a passion for growing roses
• A lifelong collector of model trains
• A talented musician who brought joy to many
• A devoted nurse who cared deeply for others
• A proud veteran who served with honour
• A much-loved father who never missed a football match
• A trusted colleague and loyal friend
• A kind and gentle soul who touched many lives

Example entry:

SMITH, JONATHON MICHAEL
12 March 1950 – 18 September 2022
Beloved husband, father and grandfather
A steady hand and a guiding light
Who found joy in gardens and nature
A loyal friend to all who knew him
Forever in our hearts and memories
Lovingly remembered every day

Choosing wording that reflects something unique about the person helps create an entry that is not only a memorial, but also a lasting record of a life lived.

Once you have submitted your request, a member of the Bereavement Team at the crematorium will review the details of your entry.

They will check the wording, confirm the number of lines selected, and verify any artwork choices. This step ensures that everything is correct before the entry is passed to the FG Marshall Studio. The Bereavement Team will also arrange payment and confirm that your order is ready to proceed.

When the Book of Remembrance is next scheduled for updating, it will be carefully transported to the FG Marshall Studio. Each new entry is then plotted into its correct position on the correct date page to ensure that the layout remains balanced and in keeping with the surrounding entries.

The book is then taken to the Scriptorium, where your entry will be written by hand by a skilled calligrapher using traditional methods. If artwork has been requested, this will be added afterwards by a miniature artist.

Once all entries have been completed, each page is carefully checked to ensure accuracy and quality. The Book of Remembrance is then returned to the crematorium and placed back on display at the appropriate time.

If you have requested Memorial Cards, Miniature Books, or Marmoreal Copies, these will normally be prepared separately and delivered to your home address once completed.

Yes, entries can be created for children and infants.

Many crematoria provide a special Book of Remembrance dedicated to children and infants, offering a gentle and meaningful way to remember the youngest lives. Where such books are available, they are often designed with particular care to reflect the innocence and significance of these very special entries.

We specialise in memorial artwork for children and understand how important these entries are to families. Each entry is created with the greatest care, sensitivity, and respect, ensuring that the finished memorial reflects both dignity and love.

As with all entries, families may choose meaningful wording and artwork that reflects the life being remembered. If you are unsure how to begin, the Bereavement Team at the crematorium will be able to provide guidance and support throughout the process.

Yes, you may choose any date that holds special meaning to you.

Many families choose the date of birth or the date of passing, as these are the most traditional choices and make entries easier to locate in the Book of Remembrance in future years. However, this is not a requirement.

You are free to select any date that feels significant. Some families choose meaningful anniversaries, such as a wedding anniversary or another important day that reflects a special memory.

Book of Remembrance entries are deeply personal, and selecting a meaningful date allows families to create a tribute that reflects the life and memories of the person being remembered.

If you are unsure which date to choose, it is often helpful to select one that family members will remember easily and feel connected to in years to come.

When a Book of Remembrance becomes full, the crematorium will normally arrange for a new volume to be created.

The new book is then placed on display alongside the completed volume, allowing visitors to continue viewing earlier entries while new ones are added to the next book. In many remembrance rooms, several completed volumes are displayed together, showing the continuing history of remembrance over many years.

Even very early Books of Remembrance remain preserved and respected. For example, some of the earliest Books of Remembrance, including volumes created as far back as 1932, are still displayed and viewed daily alongside more modern volumes.

If, over time, the remembrance room no longer has space to display additional books, earlier volumes are carefully archived. These books are never discarded. They are preserved for record keeping and for future generations, ensuring that the entries remain part of a permanent historical record.

Where an online Book of Remembrance is available, all completed entries will continue to be visible online at all times, even as new volumes are created.

Yes, you may order Memorial Copies of your Book of Remembrance entry to keep at home or share with family members.

Many families choose to have Memorial Copies created alongside their entry. These copies provide a lasting reminder that can be displayed in the home or preserved as treasured family heirlooms for future generations.

Memorial Copies include Memorial Cards, Miniature Booklets, and Framed and Mounted Entries.

Memorial Cards are created as A5 landscape pieces and are beautifully handwritten and illustrated by hand. Each card is produced with the same care and attention used in the Book of Remembrance, making it a work of art in its own right. These cards are often displayed in the home or kept in a special place of remembrance. Memorial Cards can be ordered online using the Online Order form or through the Memorial Team at the crematorium.

Miniature Booklets are designed to reflect the appearance and craftsmanship of the full-sized Book of Remembrance. Depending on the crematorium, these booklets may be made from high-quality leatherette or real leather. Each booklet is made in-house by FG Marshall and carefully handcrafted using the same traditional techniques used to create the large Memorial Books. Miniature Booklets can contain one or more entries and are often chosen as family memorials intended to be passed down through generations. These can be ordered online using the Online Order form or through the Memorial Team at the crematorium.

Framed and Mounted Entries are also available and are designed to complement the beauty of the original entry. Each framed copy is carefully mounted in a colour chosen to enhance the appearance of the design. Customers may select from green, blue, or red double mounts, along with a choice of wooden frame finishes including Mahogany, Oak, or Gold. These framed pieces are often displayed on a wall or placed in a special location within the home as a lasting and visible tribute.

All Memorial Copies are created with the same care, dedication, and respect used in producing the original Book of Remembrance entry.

Yes, there are some guidelines to ensure that all entries remain respectful, dignified, and in keeping with the traditional style of the Book of Remembrance.

Books of Remembrance belong to the crematorium and are shared memorial records that contain many entries on each page. To maintain a consistent and stately appearance, all entries must follow the established layout, including starting with the name of the person being remembered.

Wording should always be respectful and appropriate for a memorial setting. Messages that are offensive, controversial, or unsuitable for a shared memorial environment cannot be accepted. The aim is to ensure that every entry complements those around it and preserves the dignity of the book.

Artwork should also be meaningful and suitable for a memorial setting. Many families choose artwork that reflects hobbies, interests, or personal symbols connected to their loved one. However, designs that are overly complex, controversial, or unsuitable for the available space may not be appropriate.

When providing your own reference material for artwork, it is important to be mindful of the level of detail. The artwork created for a Book of Remembrance entry is small, typically no larger than a 50 pence coin. If the design contains too many small details, these may not be clearly visible in the finished painting.

For example, a simple scene such as a single person sitting on a bench may be suitable. However, a detailed image showing several people on a bench with surrounding scenery may not be possible to reproduce clearly at such a small size.

Portraits of faces are generally not recommended, as the limited size makes it difficult to represent facial features accurately.

If you are unsure whether your wording or artwork is suitable, the Bereavement Team at the crematorium will be happy to guide you and help ensure that your entry fits comfortably within the traditions of the Book of Remembrance.

Payment for your Book of Remembrance entry is arranged through the Bereavement Team at the crematorium.

When you complete the Online Order form, the total shown is provided as an estimate only. This estimate is based on the details entered at the time and is intended as a helpful guide. The final cost will always be reviewed and confirmed by the Bereavement Team before payment is requested.

After your request has been submitted, a member of the Bereavement Team will carefully review the details of your entry, including the wording, number of lines selected, artwork choices, and any additional items requested. Once this review has been completed, they will calculate the exact total cost and contact you directly to confirm the final amount owed.

At this stage, the Bereavement Team will also discuss the available payment options and answer any questions you may have regarding your entry. Payment is normally handled directly through the crematorium, and available methods may vary depending on the individual site.