About Us

One of the greatest actors of all time, Richard Burton, started off his career at the Old Vic in Southwark. It is said that whenever Alf Smith walked by with a funeral, he would rush out to watch him admiringly. 'Look and learn,' he would say, there goes before you the greatest of actors you're likely to see.'

In the working class area of Southwark at the turn of the last century the pomp and splendour of a horse-drawn funeral was a spectacle to behold. It was a 'big' occasion in every sense of the word. For a start it would take virtually all day, especially when you take into account the stops at the 'watering holes' on the way to the cemetery! The families thought of themselves as the Royal Family for the day. The doors were opened for them - ladies first, of course. The red carpet treatment! What a contrast to the way they were usually treated. Alf Smith was admired by all 'his' people, that's for sure!

The original Alfred Smith sired 21 children, with all but one surviving - quite an achievement, even in those days. The baby who died had to be buried and he hired the local undertaker, who would only do funerals when he was sober and that wasn't for the whole day! Needless to say, Alfred wasn't overly impressed and thought he could do much better.

He was already an established local businessman, well known as a milliner. He paid the undertaker to teach him the trade (in whisky probably) and the undertaker ended up working for him - so the business was born in 1881.

The first 'funeral parlour' was opened in Webber Street near The Old Vic and subsequently moved to the other end of Southwark Bridge Road. At that time (early 20th Century) it was a thriving, extremely busy and close-knit community, with rows upon rows of small houses, flats and markets. The only local market left today is the Borough Market, Waterloo. When he was a bit quite, Alf would stand outside the 'shop' chatting to all 'his' people.

It's hard to believe that at the time there were 48 Belgian Blacks, stabled in Kennington, servicing the funerals. By then, Alf junior and his brother Harry, had also opened a shop in Lambeth Walk, which survived very successfully until ' The Walk' was demolished in the early 1970's. It's a concrete jungle today. 'You mean they wrote a song about this place, Marlene?' asks the American tourist.

By this time the next generation was in charge: 'Young Alfie', Harry Junior and George. Something had to be done to expand the business - too many mouths to feed! Call it good timing or good luck, but another old established business became available to buy: A. Yeatman & Sons of West Norwood. With no sons to continue, old Mr. Yeatman was only too pleased to hand over the reins to a reputable family firm who would continue the good work. Although mostly known for monumental masonry, A. Yeatman & Sons, under the ownership of the Smiths, soon expanded the funeral side of the business.

The horse-drawn era in the company's history came to an end in 1951. Alf Smith's team of 11 Belgian Blacks were only required about once a fortnight and were kept at a considerable loss. With regret he put them up for auction and was dismayed to see them come under the hammer for a 'ridiculous figure.' None of the horses brought much more than 30 guineas. 'Disgraceful' said Alf. 'I paid over a hundred for each of them!'

Currently, the business is run by the fourth generation of Smiths with five branches between them. Alan Smith is a Past President of SAIF (The Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors) and works with his brother, Peter, at the head office in Norwood. Alan has a copy of an article written by a local GP for 'Doctor' magazine, which says, 'Alfred Smith is my choice for my send-off'. Old Alf would have been proud.