Phillips Funeral Directors
Read about the history of the Phillips family, the war years and our funeral homes in Hertfordshire
Our founding family, the Seymours
Ernest Seymour was born in Codicote, 1877. At the age of 22, he moved to St Albans to work with his relative, Mr Edwin Seymour, who was a member of the St Albans Conservative Club and a big cricket fan.
In 1914, Ernest and Edwin decided to go their separate ways. This was the year Ernest’s only daughter, Margaret, was born, and he decided he wanted to set up his own business in building and undertaking.
These skills went hand-in-hand during this era, because craftsmen such as builders, carpenters and joiners, were often asked to build coffins, which at the time was a big part of the undertaking profession. Many undertakers then moved on to become funeral directors.
World War One
During the war years of 1914 to 1918, Ernest served in France with the Royal Engineers for two years. His wife continued to run the business at home during this time, as well as caring for seven soldiers who were lodged at Alma Road during the war.
The company continued to flourish over the following decades and became a well-known part of the St Albans community. Known for their compassion, trustworthiness and close attention to detail, the funeral directors became relied upon by generation after generation of the same families.
Recent years
In the 1970s, the Mr and Mrs Phillips acquired the business. Our Harpenden funeral directors opened in the 1990s, and then Treeves Funeral Home in Borehamwood became a part of the company in 2001. Our latest addition is our funeral home in Marshalswick, which opened in 2003.
At Phillips Funeral Directors, we are proud of our long and rich heritage. Over the years, we have continued to practise the same unparalleled standards of care that our founders were known for. Phillips have been trusted with the care of several well-known members of our community, including The Right Reverend and Right Honourable The Lord Robert Runcie, MC, former Archbishop of Canterbury.
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.