ABSTRACT
If we need to restore a ledger slab or other memorial, presumably it is not now in its original condition. Whether or not it is desirable, practical or economic to restore it to its original form, we nevertheless need to know what that was. Therefore, our first stage is to find out what the memorial was like at as early a date as possible, before decay or damage occurred or was as serious as it is now. Our second stage, the present, is to record, by drawings, rubbings and photographs as appropriate, the present condition of the memorial before any restoration work is begun. The third stage, which lies in the future when the task of restoration is undertaken, consists of the similar recording of the memorial when restoration is complete.
