Thomas Greatorex & Sons Ltd

Incorporating The Derbyshire Dales Funeral Service and Alwyn Askew

 

Thomas Greatorex & Sons Ltd was founded by Thomas Greatorex in 1892. The business, which has survived two world wars, adapted to vastly changing social conditions has established itself as virtually an institution in Matlock and district.

Thomas also married Mary in 1892, they had nine children. Two of their sons, Raymond and Roland joined the business. The original business was that of joiners, wheelwrights and blacksmiths, but as times changed and the horses and carts gave way to motor vehicles, the emphasis was switched to joiners and undertakers.

Thomas died on February 9th 1939 aged 81 years, his wife Mary had predeceased him only three weeks earlier. With their father's death Raymond and Roland took over the business. Raymond continued with the joinery and Roland assumed the responsibility for the funeral business. Raymond died in 1979 aged 81 years. Roland died in 1991 aged 84 years.