Hi Cathy, Grave markers in England, and I thought in other parts of the world too, are called tombstones, gravestones or monuments. Monumental inscriptions are the inscriptions written on the tombstones etc. As regards your question "are there many of either in churchyards dating back into the 1600 - middle 1800's", most old churches still have very many dating back to this time (and before). My local church has gravestones dating back to the early 1700's, although some are difficult to read now. The trend in some area's is to clear churchyards of gravestones and place them around the perimeter wall. Reasons given are to "tidy up" or because of health and safety reasons, in case one falls onto someone. Where are you Cathy? How are your graves marked? Chris Abbley - Researching Abley/Abbley surnames worldwide.. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please forgive my lack of knowledge but, in England are the grave markers know as monument inscriptions or tombstones? Also, are there many of either in church yards dating back into the 1600 - middle 1800's? If not, where did they go? Thanks Cathy --------------------------------------------------------------------- Outgoing and incoming mail is Norton Antivirus Checked