Funeral Directors in Hertfordshire since 1839.

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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1839

Business Cards

Here are some examples of our early business cards.

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1949

Tea and Beer Licenses

These photos show the Tea License, and Beer and Cider License issued in 1849 to James Jacob.

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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. 

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1878

James Jacob Burgess Passes Away

Here is an example of a ‘Mourning Card’ from James Jacob’s funeral. 

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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.

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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.

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1928

British Undertakers Association

J.J. Burgess & Sons joined the British Undertakers association.

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1929

James John Burgess Passes Away

Here’s an example of a ‘Mourning Card’ from James John’s funeral.

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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).

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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.

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1929

Alfred Burgess Takes Over

As such, the responsibility of the business fell to Alfred.

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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).

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1959

John James Burgess Married Margaret Elizabeth Tyler

John James Burgess marries Margaret Elizabeth Tyler.

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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. 

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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.

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1972

A Focus on Funerals

John James Burgess gave up the building and decorating side of the business to concentrate solely on Funerals.

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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’.

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1981

Jason John Burgess Joins

Jason John Burgess joined the family business, aiding John in the day to day running.

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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.

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1990

Jason John Leaves the Business

Jason John left the business after he got married to spend more time with his family.

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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.

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1994

Welwyn Garden City Branch Opens

J. J. Burgess & Sons opened their office at 5 Cole Green Lane, Welwyn Garden City.

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1995

Home James

Home James Limousines hire is established.

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1998

Knebworth Branch Opens

J.J. Burgess & Sons opened their office at 23 Station Road, Knebworth.

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2000s

2001

St. Alban’s Branch Opens

J.J. Burgess & Sons opened their office at 223 Hatfield Road, St Albans.

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2002

Established Classic Hearse Hire

Classic Hearse Hire is established. 

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2003

SAIF Presidency

Justin J Burgess was made SAIF National President.

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2008

Coutts Award

J J Burgess & Sons won the Coutts Award for best family business.

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2010

Codicote Branch Opens

J.J. Burgess & Sons opened their office at 119 High Street, Codicote.

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2011

Burgess Memorials Expands

A workshop in Welwyn Garden City is bought for Burgess Memorials Ltd. to expand into.

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2011

Jason Returns to the Company

Jason rejoined Margaret and Justin in the family business. However Jason sadly passed away in 2020. 

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2015

Expansion into London Colney

J. J. Burgess & Sons bought West Herts funeral services in London Colney.

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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.

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2017

Biz4Biz Award

J. J. Burgess & Sons win Best Family Business at Biz4Biz Hertfordshire businesses award.

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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.

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2018

Retro Farewells

Classic Hearse Hire bought Retro Farewells and their custom built Campervan Hearse.

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2019

Pepper & Phillips Joins the Family

J. J. Burges & Sons bought Pepper & Phillips Funeral Services in Hoddesdon.

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2020

A New Home for St Albans

We moved our office from 223 Hatfield Road to 444 Hatfield Road to expand into larger premises. 

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2021

Eliza Jane Burgess Joins the Business

Eliza Jane Burgess joined the business in the role of Health & Safety Officer.

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2022

Harley Hearse Hire

Harley Hearse Hire is established.

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2022

Collins Funeral Services

Collins Funeral Services, based in Enfield, was purchased and added to the Burgess family. 

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