Manuscript account book of a Canterbury monumental mason and funeral director, with itemised descriptions of work done for each client.

12mo, 164 pp. In vellum notebook, with brass clasp and marbled endpapers. Text clear and complete, in several hands. Fair, on lightly-aged paper. Binding grubby, endpapers split. Index on first four pages, with each of the subsequent pages devoted to a single account. Each entry dated, with name and address of client (often the executors of the deceased), and itemised description of work done, date of payment, and other information. Includes renovations of tombs in a number of churchyards. The second is representative: 'Mrs. Wootton | Rosedene, Chislet | 1921. c.p. 360 | Oct. 8. Portland Stone curb memorial formed of 6 post stones & with chamfered curb, including fixing at Herne Cemetery as quoted 12. 19. 6. | Burial Board fees for purchase of grave space & for placing the memorial on same as quoted by them 2. 1. 0. | 7 Dozen letters engraved & filled in stone 6/6 per doz 2. 5. 6. | [total] £17. 6. 0. | 15. Cr. cash on a/c 10. 0. 0. | £7. 6. 0. | Paid 26th. Nov. 1921.' On occasion undertaking work is included, one entry reading 'Elm coffin with brassed furniture & name plate, side sheets & trimmings for the late Mr. John Butson. Arranging for interment at Cemetery. Hearse & Carriage & singles to Cemetery. Bearers & Attendance' and another 'To making child's coffin, attendance & carriage to Cemetery'. A large part of the work is done outside Canterbury: 'Man's time cleaning memorial in Nackington Churchyard, painting railings & writing lettering in inscription & including oil colour used.' Accounts include those of 'The Rev. Canon Coxe, M.A.' (of '18, The Precincts') and 'Signora Funaioli' of '27 Via Pandolfini | Firenze', the latter paying for renovations to a 'large family memorial at St Martins Churchyd'. The last entry (July 1946) is one of the most detailed: 'Interment of Joseph Acworth Plommer died July 5th and was interred at St. Martin's Churchyard on Tuesday July 9th 1946 aged 89 years. | Supplying 1 beeswaxed plain English Oak Coffin, with best brass furniture, & lined with Swansdown, side sheets & ruffles. Taking coffin to 14 St. Augustine's Rd, & coffining the body, 2 assistants. Motor Hearse & three Mourning Coaches for funeral to St. Martin's Church & return to house. Four body bearers for funeral. Lining grave with mauve cloths, use of plant, pall & carpet. Gratuities to sexton & drivers. St. Martin's Church Fees & Grave Diggers' Fees Sexton's Burial Fee'.