This study reassesses the geological character and sources of freestones used in first to early second century tombstones and fragments of monumental masonry in southern England. For the first time these monuments are sampled and then analysed using reliable and accurate comparative geological techniques (Integreated Petrographic Methology) in order to determine their provenance. The results are used to draw conclusions about the development of freestone quarrying in England, and whether and for how long freestone was being ferried in over the Channel.