War Memorials, White Marble Monument, Tombstone

Founded by Thomas Burslem in 1853 and incorporated in 1880 A Burslem and Son Ltd has been trading in and around the Tunbridge Wells area ever since. A recent move to a new showroom and workshop at Stubby Grove, Frant ensured the Company stays local to its origins despite the need for a modern workshop and greater space for stock storage.
Originally tasked with the construction of many fine sandstone houses and churches around Kent and East Sussex of the Decimus Burton era the focus changed dramatically during the depression following WWII and Burslem became known better still for the numerous war memorials at home and abroad as well as the tens of thousands of individual memorials in Portland stone; hand carved and engraved for dispatch from Tunbridge Wells following the inauguration of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission by local celebrated author, Rudyard Kipling.
During the latter part of the 20th century, the restoration of old buildings has become increasingly ‘in vogue’ as well as bespoke memorials and interior stone work together with the supply of floor and wall tiles, bespoke headstones and new architectural stone.
Inevitably the company encompasses the old and new in continuing commissions for headstones, working closely with individuals, funeral directors and supplying granite, marble, limestone and silestone work surfaces for many kitchen companies, builders, architects and discerning private individuals. Covering projects in Kent, East and West Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and Central London employing some 20 people.
The Burslem family maintained an active interest in the ownership and management of the business and continued their focus on new stone buildings and memorials throughout the 20th Century.
Under new management from the late 1990"s, the company continues to focus on the core product base, embracing new technology together with a time honoured respect for the traditional craft of stonemasonry.