Our History
1st generation (1870 – 1906)
Jonathan Lawrence originally from Beaminster in Dorset moved to Southampton where he worked as a carpenter. After marrying his wife Jane in 1861 and having their sons Arthur and Charles in 1863 and 1867 respectively. He established the family business in 1870 originally based in St Marys Road. Unfortunately Jonathan and Jane lost Arthur in 1882 and then Charles in 1887. They then in 1889 adopted Reginald Theobald Lallow who had lost his father when he was two years old. Following the adoption of Reginald, the business moved from St Marys Road to 17 St Denys Road in Portswood, where we have been ever since.
Jonathan Lawrence
1841 – 1906
2nd generation (1906 – 1958)
After Jonathan’s death in 1906, the business was carried on by his wife Jane and son Reginald. Reginald married Alice Swaffield and they had five children – Reggie Lallow Lawrence, Greta Lallow Lawrence, Bernard Lallow Lawrence, May Lallow Lawrence and Arthur Lallow Lawrence. This generation of our family saw lots of change both in the industry and the wider world. Southampton Crematorium which was located at South Stoneham Cemetery was built and cremation started to overtake burials in popularity.
3rd generation (1958 – 1998)
After Reginald’s demise in 1958, the business was taken over by his children Alice, Reggie, Bernard and Arthur. Alice died in 1970, Bernard in 1983, Reggie in 1985, leaving Arthur to continue the business with his wife Pam. Following the passing of his siblings Bernard and Reggie, Arthur carried the business on with his wife Pam.
4th generation (1987 to present)
John joined the business in 1987 and Chris joined in 1989. After Arthur died in 1998, Pam took less of a role in the management of the business and has left the running of the business to John and Chris. Sadly Pam, would pass away in 2014. John and Chris would oversee the introduction of a new Jaguar Hearse and Limousine in 2006.
5th generation
After finishing school Chris’ sons Alfie and Nathaniel joined in 2022 and in 2023 respectively. While John’s son Harry, and Chris’ youngest Benji are yet to finish school.
