Thomas Davis Funeral Directors

Family funeral services in Bristol since 1840

Thomas Davis Funeral Directors is a funeral services company based in Bristol that presents itself as a family-run firm. Its activity dates back to 1840, when it opened its doors in the city, and since then it has served successive generations of local families. The company trades under the name E. C. Alderwick & Son Ltd and describes itself as a company registered in England.

The firm maintains a telephone line available 24 hours a day for those who need immediate assistance. In addition to support at the time of need, it offers the possibility of arranging services in advance.

Services and types of ceremony

The company's range covers different styles of farewell, from traditional burial to simple cremation, direct cremation or a personalised celebration of life. The firm states that it tailors each ceremony to the family's wishes and to the individuality of the deceased.

Among the funeral services it details are:

• Assistance with the first steps after a death.
• Care of your loved one.
• Funeral plans arranged in advance.
• Repatriation.
• Handling donations.
• Wills & probate advice.
• Support for families throughout the process.

Elements for arranging the funeral

The company offers a range of professional services and ceremony extras. These include funeral vehicles, coffins and caskets, floral tributes, funeral stationery, stone masons, memorial jewellery and urns and keepsakes.

History and family continuity

The firm highlights its long history in the sector: when it opened in 1840, the Clifton Suspension Bridge was still a project in the mind of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Over more than 180 years, the company has supported Bristol families in their most difficult moments.

At one point, the Davis family, without a clear successor to continue the business, decided to pass it on to the Alderwick family, with whom they had a long-standing friendship and who shared their commitment to quality and family principles. According to the company itself, this decision sought to preserve the family character of the business and avoid a corporate takeover. The Alderwick family committed to maintaining the Davis standards and traditions.

The current management is led by principal directors Philip Alderwick and his brother-in-law Derek Gunningham, both with careers in the funeral sector as third generation and close to one hundred years of combined experience. A management structure including members of the fourth generation has also been established.

Local presence

The company serves all communities across Bristol from its local branches, with the same standard of care whether arrangements are made in advance or at the time of need. The identified branches are Backwell, Brislington, Filton, Shirehampton, Southville and Westbury on Trym.