Westcountry Funeral Service

18/05/2026

06/05/2026

John Walter Parson and Emma Charlotte Parson (nee Ley) photographed here early in the 1870’s by W. J. Coombe photographer in his studio at 160 Union Street, Plymouth were married in 1868 in Plymouth and were the first of the long line of Undertakers in the Parson family.

John who was born in Middlesex in 1844 came to Plymouth to live with his Uncle Richard Walter Parson following the death of Richard’s wife and son in the 1830’s.

John eventually took over Richard’s business of Master Joiner and Carpenter in the 1860’s and diversified into Builder and Undertaker in 1871.

Westcountry Funeral Service, where history comes to life.

24/04/2026

We were delighted to attend the Service of Dedication and Official Opening of Tamar Valley Crematorium today.

A lovely service led by The Right Reverend James Grier with The Reverend Jo Northey and Mrs. Vicki Jensen and beautiful singing from The Choir of Bickleigh Down School followed by Unveiling of a commemoration Plaque by Dr. Brian Parsons (no relation!)

Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this together through its many stages.

The builders, architects, tradesmen and women and specialists and of course to the Directors, management and staff of Tamar Valley Crematorium for their dedicated work and their kind invitation to join them today to commemorate it’s official Dedication.

🙏

15/04/2026

Proud to be supporting Saltash Regatta this year ⛵️⛵️

09/04/2026

Our team have been spring cleaning our funeral home in Elburton today!

Gutters cleared, weeding done and signage washed and cleaned.

Thank you Paul and Leah - you’re the best 🏅🏅

05/03/2026

Give us a like if you think our new hearse looks great!

24/02/2026

Wally Parson aka Walter C Parson

07/02/2026

Cardboard coffins used to be quite popular and were seen as an alternative to traditional coffins.

Their popularity has waned in recent years but they are still available.

29/01/2026

What’s a Funeral Mute?

Funeral mutes were professional mourners hired to attend funerals, standing solemnly and accompanying the coffin to add dignity and gravity to the proceedings.

The practice of hiring mutes became popular in Victorian Britain, though it had earlier origins, possibly dating back to Roman times when bodyguards or attendants were assigned to protect prominent citizens. By the 1600s, mutes were common at upper-class funerals, and by the 1700s, they appeared even at modest funerals. Their role gradually declined by the late 19th century due to their reputation for appearing drunk or comical, which undermined the solemnity of the funeral.

Hic!