James Crook Funeral Directors

The history of our North London funeral directors

Our first funeral home in Kilburn

In 1801, James Crook opened his first funeral directors in Kilburn, when High Road was surrounded by the open countryside. Originally from Wallingford in Oxfordshire, the family were in the building and joining trade, which made them skilled coffin makers. Their profession equipped them with the skillset that led them to become funeral undertakers.


The move to London

The Crooks moved to London during a time when there were many developments being made to the city. This offered the perfect opportunity for their business to flourish, arranging funerals to the highest standards, and giving families their kindness and compassion to help them in their times of need. James Crook became a renowned and well-loved member of the London community. During the war years, James Crook funeral homes opened in Wembley Park, Stanmore, Kilburn and Willesden.


The National Association of Funeral Directors

Members of the family were involved in what is now the biggest trade association in the funeral industry, the National Association of Funeral Directors. Mr W H Crook was given the presidency from 1933 until 1934, with Mr James James-Crook holding the same position in 1950 to 1951.


The later years

In 1951, the business celebrated its 150th anniversary, for which there was an exhibition held at the Head Office filled with photographs, newspapers and books all in relation to James Crook Funeral Directors. In May 1995, they became a part of the Dignity group, and we feel honoured to have one of our founding family members still involved with us today.


Our funeral homes

Funeral services with distinction photo
Funeral services with distinction photo

Funeral Services with distinction

We are proud to be part of Dignity Funerals, a collection of the UK's finest funeral directors, with each and every one committed to setting superior standards.

Many Dignity funeral directors have been part of the local community for generations and it is a privilege to serve those who live beside us. Our rich and lengthy heritage ensures we can deliver our service with local knowledge and unparalleled expertise.
99.0%
per cent of families said that Dignity met or exceeded their expectations.
97.7%
per cent of people said that they would recommend Dignity.