History of J.J. Burgess & Sons So Far
1800’s
1815
James Jacob Burgess was born
James Jacob Burgess was born in Old Hatfield to Thomas and Rachel Burgess.
Circa 1830
James Jacob Becomes A Tanner
James Jacob started working life as a tanner when William Walby, a butcher in old Hatfield, closed the tannery. He then ran the Compasses alehouse in Fore Street, Old Hatfield.
1835 – 1839
James Jacob becomes a Timber and Bark merchant
James Jacob becomes a Timber and Bark merchant. He runs the business out of his premises which sit opposite the site of the old tannery, in which he used to work, on Batterdale. This address would be the home and business premises of the Burgess family for the next 125 years.
1835 – 1839
Clock Makers
Due to the nature of his business, James Jacob and his family subsequently became Carpenters, specialising in making Beehives and Clocks, as well as being Builders and Funeral Directors.
1835 – 1839
Publicans
As well as woodworking, many family members were publicans in the Hatfield area running The Travelers Rest in Old Hatfield and The Crooked Chimney, formerly The Chequeens, in Lemsford.
1839
J.J. Burgess Funeral Home Opens
James Jacob Burgess opened the first Funeral Home, in their premises in Batterdale, Hatfield which included stables, a workshop and a chapel.
1839
Family Tradition
As well as the funeral home, which had a flat above it, there were two adjoining cottages. Family tradition dictated that married life would start in the flat above the Funeral home and as a family grew they would inherit the middle cottage eventually moving into the end cottage by which time they should have saved enough money to buy their own home.
1839
Business Cards
Here are some examples of our early business cards.
1949
Tea and Beer Licenses
These photos show the Tea License, and Beer and Cider License issued in 1849 to James Jacob.
1835 – 1839
Map of Old Hatfield
You can see on this map of Old Hatfield are the businesses owned and one of the pubs run by the Burgess family.
1878
James Jacob Burgess Passes Away
Here is an example of a ‘Mourning Card’ from James Jacob’s funeral.
1878
James John Burgess Inherits the Business
James Jacob Burgess passed away leaving the business to his son James John Burgess which he ran alongside his role as a reserve Fireman.
1900s
Circa 1900
Old Hatfield Town
This photo looks down Park Street, Old Hatfield towards Arm and Sword Lane. On the right of the photo can be seen the shop of Burgess Boot and Shoemaker.
1928
British Undertakers Association
J.J. Burgess & Sons joined the British Undertakers association.
1929
James John Burgess Passes Away
Here’s an example of a ‘Mourning Card’ from James John’s funeral.
1929
James John Burgess Passes Away
James John Burgess passed away leaving the business to his sons James John Burgess Jr. (right) and Alfred William Burgess (left).
1929
A Career Change
Although it was customary for the eldest son to carry on the J J and taken on the responsibilities of the business, James John Burgess Jr. wished to pursue his passion for inventing, going on to invent the bean slice and more notably the fire pump. The photo shows James Jr. and his brother Alfred in Hatfield Park testing the fire pump which he would later sell to Merryweather & Sons for £25. This pump would go on to make Merryweather a small fortune as they sold the pump to most fire brigades throughout Britain and the commonwealth.
1929
Alfred Burgess Takes Over
As such, the responsibility of the business fell to Alfred.
1953
Alfred William Burgess Passes Away
Alfred William Burgess passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, and his son John James Burgess had to be bought out of his contract with the Army to return home to run the business (shown in the middle).
1959
John James Burgess Married Margaret Elizabeth Tyler
John James Burgess marries Margaret Elizabeth Tyler.
1965
Last Photo of Batterdale
J J Burgess & Sons had their premises compulsory purchased by The New Town Commission due to the redevelopment of the Old Town. It was subsequently demolished and it’s location is marked by a plaque at the west end of the underpass that runs under The Great North Road.
1969
J.J. Burgess Finds a New Home
John James Burgess moved the premises from Batterdale to a purpose-built facility at 20 The Common, Hatfield New Town.
1972
A Focus on Funerals
John James Burgess gave up the building and decorating side of the business to concentrate solely on Funerals.
1973
A New Name
Due to the birth of John James’ second son, Justin James in December, the ‘Son’ of J J Burgess & Son now became ‘Sons’.
1981
Jason John Burgess Joins
Jason John Burgess joined the family business, aiding John in the day to day running.
1987
John J Burgess Passes Away
John J Burgess passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Despite an attempted hostile takeover by Howard Hodson care of Dennis Amis, his widow Margaret E Burgess took over the day to day running of the business.
1990
Jason John Leaves the Business
Jason John left the business after he got married to spend more time with his family.
1992
Justin James Joins the Business
Justin James Burgess joined the business. Conducting every funeral personally to ensure that you are granted that personal touch.
1994
Welwyn Garden City Branch Opens
J. J. Burgess & Sons opened their office at 5 Cole Green Lane, Welwyn Garden City.
1995
Home James
Home James Limousines hire is established.
1998
Knebworth Branch Opens
J.J. Burgess & Sons opened their office at 23 Station Road, Knebworth.
2000s
2001
St. Alban’s Branch Opens
J.J. Burgess & Sons opened their office at 223 Hatfield Road, St Albans.
2002
Established Classic Hearse Hire
Classic Hearse Hire is established.
2003
SAIF Presidency
Justin J Burgess was made SAIF National President.
2008
Coutts Award
J J Burgess & Sons won the Coutts Award for best family business.
2010
Codicote Branch Opens
J.J. Burgess & Sons opened their office at 119 High Street, Codicote.
2011
Burgess Memorials Expands
A workshop in Welwyn Garden City is bought for Burgess Memorials Ltd. to expand into.
2011
Jason Returns to the Company
Jason rejoined Margaret and Justin in the family business. However Jason sadly passed away in 2020.
2015
Expansion into London Colney
J. J. Burgess & Sons bought West Herts funeral services in London Colney.
2017
James Jacob Burgess Joins the Business
James has an artist flare and put this to good use by heading up the sister company, Burgess Memorials. He designs memorials, cuts lettering and renovates older memorials allowing J.J.Burgess & Sons to offer a complete service to the bereaved.
2017
Biz4Biz Award
J. J. Burgess & Sons win Best Family Business at Biz4Biz Hertfordshire businesses award.
2018
Jack (John) Jeremy Burgess Joins the Business
Graduating from the university of Gloucestershire with a Ba(Hons) in Business Management, joining the family business Jack has moved the business forward delicately using modern technology to ensure an efficient delivery of the companies dignified and traditional service. Rest assured the future of the business is in safe hands between him and his siblings.
2018
Retro Farewells
Classic Hearse Hire bought Retro Farewells and their custom built Campervan Hearse.
2019
Pepper & Phillips Joins the Family
J. J. Burges & Sons bought Pepper & Phillips Funeral Services in Hoddesdon.
2020
A New Home for St Albans
We moved our office from 223 Hatfield Road to 444 Hatfield Road to expand into larger premises.
2021
Eliza Jane Burgess Joins the Business
Eliza Jane Burgess joined the business in the role of Health & Safety Officer.
2022
Harley Hearse Hire
Harley Hearse Hire is established.
2022
Collins Funeral Services
Collins Funeral Services, based in Enfield, was purchased and added to the Burgess family.
