It was in 1858 that the cabinet making and furniture broking business established by Leonard Wathall in Siddalls Lane decided to diversify into funerals. Leonard’s son, George, established G Wathall & Son, originally in Green Street, Derby.

Since those early days, the business has gone from strength to strength. Five generations of the Wathall family have been involved in the firm, which today remains a family affair with Leonard’s great-great granddaughter, Helen Wathall, at the helm.

The first premises were in Green Street, and then later there were offices in London Road, Normanton Road and Gerard Street. At the turn of the century premises were acquired in Macklin Street and this is where the business is still situated today. The stables, which used to accommodate the horses, now house the fleet of 9 Daimler and Mercedes Hearses and Limousines that are used today, and which offer families comfort and dignity.

The firm, proud of its long history, still has records of funerals dating back to 1881.

Five generations of the Wathall family have succeeded to the business. They have absorbed and adapted to changes and over the years have built up a reputation for care of the deceased, concern for the bereaved, attention to detail, reliability and fair costs.

George, who died in 1898 at the impressive age of 77, was followed into the business by his son, William Henry, who died at the age of 61 in 1918. His sons, William and Henry (Harry) took over at a very young age and it was during their time at the helm that the firm witnessed the significant change from using horses to motor vehicles. Prior to the introduction of motorised vehicles, the firm had about eight horses stabled at its Macklin Street premises.

Wathall’s was one of the first funeral directors in the area to use a motorised hearse. The change in the mode of transport brought with it major changes to the Macklin Street premises with the stables being converted into garages. The lay out today remains the same as the one that was brought about by the change in horsepower.

During the First World War, the black Flemish horses were called up to serve with the Army and Harry, who fought in France with the Army, was captured by the Germans and held as a prisoner of war. He won his freedom at the end of the war.

All coffins were made on the premises until the 1980s when the machinery was removed. They are now bought in, although they are still lined on the premises. The firm no longer owns any horses but hires them from a Burton firm when they are requested for funerals.

During the Second World War the firm became part of a joint effort with other businesses in Derby to cover the possibility of civilian deaths due to any air raids on the town. Premises on Abbey Street were altered into a temporary mortuary and G. Wathall & Son Ltd held coffins in stock for the duration of the war in the event of Derby being targeted in large scale air raids. Records of military funerals carried out during the war are still held by the firm.

Petrol rationing created many problems both during and after the war. The number of vehicles used for funerals was minimalised in order to conserve fuel. In 1952 Harry’s son, William (Bill) joined the firm at the age of 20 having completed his National Service, and slowly, over the years, William and Harry began to take a back seat until they both retired in the 1970s. Harry died in 1977, two years before his brother. Bill, a qualified member of the British Institute of Embalmers, worked tirelessly for more than 40 years, latterly as chairman of the company until his death in 1995 at the age of 62. During this time, Bill also gave many talks to local groups about his work and these talks are still fondly remembered.

The Management team currently comprises of Jean Wathall as Company Chairman, Helen Wathall, who has been with the company since 1985, as Company Secretary and Managing Director, Paul Edwards as Finance Director since 2001 and Mark Hodgson as General Manager.

Helen has held office with the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors for over 5 years. It represents over 900 Independent Funeral Directors from all over the UK. SAIF’s overall objective is to promote and protect the interests of the Independent Funeral Director. It has a well established and respected voice listened to by National and Local Government, Consumer Groups, Bereavement Services, Religious Organisations and the Media, on all the diverse issues facing the funeral sector. In 2002 Helen became the first woman to be elected President of the Society, which was a great honour.

In recent years the firm has been offering Help the Aged and Golden Charter pre-paid Funeral Plans. In 1995, G. Wathall and Son Ltd won the Golden Charter Funeral Planner of the Year Award for outstanding service, beating 1900 other independent firms. Although relatively new in the UK, the sale of pre-paid Funeral Plans has increased year on year, as more and more people see the sense in putting their wishes down on paper, and paying at today’s prices.

During the summer of 2006 we are opening a branch office in Ashbourne. The Wathall family have lived in the area for over 80 years, and we have found over the years, that we do more and more funerals in this area. We feel the time has come to provide the families we deal with, with an office a bit nearer to home.

As times have changed the firm has found itself dealing with traditional and non-traditional funerals. It caters for a wide diversity of clients of all denominations. Throughout the last 145 years, loyal and dedicated staff have supported the company. Today there are 18 members of staff providing the traditional and dignified, quality of service, which the people of Derby and the surrounding area have come to expect. The service is provided at all times – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It is the longest established independent funeral directors in Derby and the largest single-site Independent undertakers in the country. The business has witnessed many changes during the last 145 years.