Company

Please find below a very brief history of our company’s history. We hope you find it interesting.

1855: Bede Freeman, a carpenter, marries, and moves to a property in North Parade,
Horsham. He founds a Funeral Directors on the premises.

An entry in one of Bede Freeman’s first ledgers. Please click here for more information.

1915: Bede passes away and is buried in Hill’s Cemetery, Horsham.
Two of Bede's sons Frederick James and Albert Ernest take over the business.
Because of this, the business becomes Freeman Brothers.

An entry into a ledger, showing Bede Freeman’s own funeral arrangements. Please click here for more information.

1931: Frederick James passes away.

‘A slice of history’. As events unfolded in Europe, Freeman Brothers were attempting ‘business as usual’. Click here for more info.

1956: Albert Ernest passes away.
The business is continued by Albert Freeman, son of Frederick James.

1963: Albert’s only son, Roy Freeman takes over the running of the business.

During Roy’s ownership, the business developed during more than 25 years of dedicated leadership and hard work. Throughout this time, Roy was supported by his wife, Beryl. Amongst the changes were the construction of new chapels and the acquisition of the business of J.Gumbrill, Monumental Masons. This period also saw a move away from all coffins being hand-made on-site- this had sometimes seen staff working until 10pm during busy periods. Skilled workshop staff still manufacture solid oak coffins by special request and Freeman Brothers are very unusual in this respect.

1985: Roy and Beryl’s son, Peter, joined the business, working alongside his parents
initially.

1990s: Roy retires. Peter assumes overall charge, remaining the proprietor until the
present day.

Peter continues to develop the business with a strong emphasis on providing the best possible service for his clients by investing heavily in staff, vehicles and premises. Notable achievements have been the upgrading of our North Parade site to create award-winning premises, and the opening of facilities in both Billingshurst and Horsham town centre. He is supported by a dedicated team, some of whom have worked for the company for over 20 years.

November 2009: Freeman Brothers celebrate the opening of their fourth branch at Holly Lodge in Southgate, Crawley. Click here to learn more about Holly Lodge.

9 North Parade, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2BP. info@freemanbrothers.co.uk