When it comes to epitaphs, Spike Milligan's quip, "I told you I was ill," has become a legend in last words.

The Goons comedian wrote his final joke before his death in 2003, but most people leave the difficult task of summing up a life in a few, fitting words to those left behind.

There are strict regulations in place for traditional headstones in cemeteries and each churchyard has its own restrictions.

The Diocest of Oxford states that inscriptions must be "simple, reverent and theologically acceptable" and may include appropriate quotations from scripture or literature.

Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows, is buried in Holywell Cemetery in Oxford and his epitaph pays tribute to his literary achievements.

"To the beautiful memory of Kenneth Grahame, husband of Elspeth and father of Alastair, who passed the river on the 6th of July, 2013, leaving childhood and literature through him the more blest for all time."

There is something to be said for brevity in a memorial; not just because some engravers charge by the letter.

Short, simple epitaphs can prove to be powerfully moving.

JRR Tolkien is buried with his wife, Edith, in Wolvercote cemetery. Just two words draw his literary role and his love for his wife together:

"Edith Mary Tolkien, Lúthien, 1889 - 1971
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, Beren, 1892 - 1973"

The mortal male character Beren and immortal elf-maiden Lúthien are great lovers and adventurers who feature in several of Tolkien's works.