In a message dated 9/8/2005 5:16:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, scotstout@aol.com writes: can someone tell me what a gravestone rubbing is? what's the purpose of making a rubbing? how does one properly do it? i've only heard about this, but never seen it done. when i was in england in 2001 i saw numerous signs in every cathedral prohibiting rubbings without permission, but i never saw anyone doing it. scot Hi Scot, Here is a site to help with your questions. Tomb With A View Scroll down to "How to do Gravestone Rubbings." If you any further questions, please feel free to email me. I have been teaching safe methods to read gravestones for years. It is very true that many cemeteries do not permit rubbings because too many people using improper materials or procedures have actually done permanent damage to some beautiful, fragile markers. Good luck. Katie