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 locations
Supporting you along the way
We understand that there is a lot to think about, so if you do need assistance with your loved one's funeral arrangements, our funeral experts will offer you all the support you need.
What to do when someone dies
It’s perfectly normal to be unsure of what you need to do following the death of a loved one. These step-by-step guides will carefully explain everything you need to when someone dies, helping you through each stage of the process.
Planning a funeral
Our guides on planning a funeral will ensure your loved one's send off is a personal and unique celebration of their life. We will explain how our Funeral Directors will help you plan a funeral service and support you at every stage.
The day of the funeral
This guide will explain what happens at a funeral; including the funeral procession, funeral service, committal service and the wake. We will be here to help you through every step of the journey.
Head Office
4 King Edwards Court,
King Edward Square
Sutton Coldfield,
West Midlands, B73 6AP
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Calls are recorded for monitoring and quality purposes. All calls made to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free of charge whether made from a landline or mobile phone. Dignity Funerals Limited is a company registered in England No. 00041598. VAT registered No. 486 6081 14. Registered office: 4 King Edwards Court, King Edwards Square, Sutton Coldfield B73 6AP. Dignity Funerals Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under Firm Reference Number 967130. Please note that the selling and administering of funeral plans is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), however if you are purchasing a funeral without a funeral plan this will not be covered by FCA regulation.