About E Gill & Sons Funeral Directors
The original firm from which E Gill & Sons Funeral Directors is descended dates back to the mid-eighteen hundreds, this being a firm of joiners and undertakers. In 1915 the business was transferred from Mr G E Dobney to his employee Mr Edwin Gill. In 1930 Mr Edwin J Gill, son of Edwin, became the principal of the firm, now called E Gill & Sons and guided it through the difficult times of the 1930’s Great Depression.
In the early 1950’s Mr Edwin J Gill was joined by his two sons John and Peter. In 1958 the firm acquired premises on the north corner of Albert Street and Southend Avenue so that a hardware and garden shop could be opened because of the increase in do-it-yourself. Within twelve months the firm was notified that it would have to leave its joinery workshop on Albert Street (where the Co-op is now situated). Fortunately Mr Edwin J Gill had previously had the foresight to purchase a piece of land adjoining, where it was decided to erect a new building to accommodate the hardware shop, joinery workshop and funeral office. These new premises were opened in 1961.
The present Offices and Chapel of Rest on the south corner of Albert Street and Southend Avenue were opened in 1979 after careful consideration to the needs of bereaved families. In 1990 these premises were extensively extended and upgraded. The premises now consist of a private chapel and two interview offices.
In 2023, E Gill & Sons became part of Funeral Partners Ltd. The Gill family are still involved in the business, with fourth generation David & Simon serving as Business Principals. Ian and Nick, the fifth generation of the family, have also recently joined the business. The Gill family, together with their experienced staff, have always aimed to provide the best service and facilities possible.
