John Meynell Funeral Directors

The history of our County Durham funeral directors

The Business is Born

John Meynell established the family business in 1910. Trading as Meynells Funeral Services, the company operated from premises on North Road in Darlington.


The Meynell family were well known in the area, running a number of local businesses within the community. The undertaking business was just one of these family ventures.


John was an innovative, forward-thinking man, and opted to join the British Embalmers Society. Upon completion, he was one of the first qualified embalmers in the country. John received his award from a Henry Shelley, who was the first president of the British Undertaker Association, which is known today as the National Association of Funeral Directors.


The Business Grows

Under John's tutelage the business grew from strength to strength. They built up a solid reputation and were renowned for the quality of service they delivered. This put the firm in a position that allowed them to carry out a number of large funerals in the town.


Following John's death, the growth of the company was in the hands of his two sisters, who continued the family tradition in his stead.


The Business Now

Today, John Meynell Funeral Directors is a part of Dignity, and we continue to thrive whilst providing the same high standards that John was renowned for.


In 1996 a second funeral home was opened on Stephenson Way in Newton Aycliffe to help provide support to the wider area, and 2010 marked 100 years of service from John Meynell Funeral Directors to the community of Darlington.


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.