Re Cleaning Gravestones !!

[Nick29]

If you take a powerful torch with you, and shine the light across the surface of the stone, any indentations will be clearer.   I normally take at least two high-resolution digital photos of a stone taken from different angles, preferably with light shining across the face of the stone (don't use flash !).  Then when I get back, I can use a Photoshop type program to try to enhance the images I've obtained.   I would not advise cleaning any stone unless it is so covered that it is totally unreadable but what I would ALWAYS do is to clear Ivy and other creeping plants completely away, because Ivy will cause more damage to a stone than Lichen or Moss ever will.

[sammy12]

Thank you to all who took the time to answer. I will be quite careful,for I believe those who came before us has the right to be heard. Thank you again

[dobfarm]

Safety is the first thing as sinking over grown graves and unstable vertical headstones. If you break a leg on the unsafe council land like pot hole in a path you would claim so think about it. You need to ask what you can do or not with the church/chapel or council first.
Chalk or wet the stone clear clean water !  photo at different times of the day and angles or a rub with wet moss or remove wet moss on graves AND RUB THE STONE with someone else with you INCASE OF ACCIDENT and GET permission FIRST.