Stoneman Funeral Service was established in Redhill, Surrey in 1865 and is now a sixth generation family business. John Stoneman, together with his family, moved to Surrey from South Devon. He began trading as J. Stoneman and Sons, and the main roles of this business were funeral furnishers, cabinet makers, upholsterers and builders. The first J. Stoneman office was in Brighton Road, Redhill.
In the late 1870s, the firm moved to 100 Station Road, Redhill. Stables, workshops, a timber yard and stonemasonry works were situated in Cromwell Road, Redhill. In 1913, the first motor hearse in the borough was built in Stoneman’s coachworks.
In 1932, a funeral office and memorial showroom were opened at 49 Bell Street, Reigate. This office is now only for organising memorial work, which is either hand cut or sandblasted. The office at Bell Street is opposite Reigate Priory Car Park and within walking distance of The Reigate Registrar’s Office.
Twenty years later, in 1952, Doran Court, (Redhill, Surrey), was purchased and converted into a funeral home. This site provides extensive facilities, with ample free parking, to assist in providing a first class comprehensive service. The interior has been designed with a service chapel, three private rooms for families to make funeral arrangements and six private chapels of rest. The service chapel seats 56 people and services can be held for any denomination prior to interment or cremation. All families arranging a funeral at Stoneman Funeral Service are welcome to hold a service in the chapel. Our original promotional material for Doran Court stated “In the quiet spirit of this ancient homestead, those suffering great loss can find help and some lightening of their burden”, we still feel this sentiment strongly 70 years later.
It was also in 1952 that Stoneman Funeral Service started working with Mr Eddie Stephens at Galyer & Co. (Funeral Directors) in Godstone, providing staff, vehicles, materials etc. When Mr and Mrs Stephens retired in 2000, Stoneman Funeral Service incorporated Galyer & Co. 45 High Street, Godstone was purchased the same year and 47 High Street was purchased in 2003. A Chapel of Rest opened with a service of dedication in October 2003.
In May 2004, a premises at 11 Shelvers Hill, Tadworth was acquired and opened as Stoneman Funeral Service’s newest office in July 2004. A Chapel of Rest was added and the service of dedication on 24th November 2004. When 10 Shelvers Hill became available in 2009 the two shops were combined to add a further Chapel of Rest and a lounge area where funerals can be arranged with the feeling of home comfort around you.
In January 2010, Stoneman Funeral Service purchased Sherlock and Sons (Funeral Directors) in Dorking, now trading as Sherlock Funeral Service, also an established family business that has been serving the Community of Dorking and surrounding villages for over 100 years. The two families now work together, combining their vast experience and local knowledge to provide a first class service.
Sherlock Funeral Service
Trellis House, 190 South Street
Dorking
Surrey
RH4 2ES
T. 01306 882266
In October 2012, Stoneman & Sherlock Funeral Service purchased a brand new fleet of Jaguar Hearses and Limousines all with matching number plates. The new vehicles along with immaculate premises, staff and caring Funeral Directors make Stoneman & Sherlock Funeral Service an elite family run business.
In October 2013, Stoneman Funeral Service purchased the Old Village Stores in Crawley Down and, after restoring and refurbishing the building to include a private arrangement room and two Chapels of Rest, it was opened as a new office in January 2014.
On 24th November 2014, a service of dedication took place at Tadworth’s Chapel of Rest to celebrate 10 years of serving the local community and surrounding area.
On Saturday 9th May 2015, Stoneman Funeral Service held an Open Day in Memory of John Stoneman (8th May 1935 – 10th May 2012) to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Stoneman Funeral Service being established in Redhill. A horse drawn hearse and the new fleet of Jaguar hearses and limousines were on on display to reflect the change in vehicles the company has used from Victorian times to the present day.
As of 2015, we are now a sixth generation family business. Chris Stoneman (fifth generation) is the current managing director of the company. Chris’ daughter, Mollie, is a funeral arranger/director and his nephew, William, is a funeral director. Maisie Stoneman joined us full-time in 2021 as a memorial mason, after helping us through the pandemic in 2020, as a bearer, whilst at university.
Stoneman Funeral Service and Sherlock Funeral Service’s latest Jaguar hearse and matching limousines.
