Since 1880
A legacy of generations of compassion and care.
Liverpool's oldest independent funeral service, marking over 140 years of serving the Liverpool community and its surroundings.
The Jenkins family tradition
How it all began
Way back in the mid 1870s the family funeral service of B. Jenkins and Sons was started by Bethia Jenkins. Ten years later, in 1880, it became an established independent company. The company operated out of premises on Irvine Street in Liverpool.
In a time when funeral services were predominantly male dominated, Bethia courageously founded our company, breaking barriers and providing an alternative, caring, and bespoke service for the local community. That commitment to compassionate care, the very essence Bethia strived for, has endured through the decades.
Approaching over 140 years of ownership, we see this milestone as a tribute to that remarkable lady, our great great grandmother. The strong family presence and the enduring ethos she started have persevered, from Bethia's son Ernest, the second generation, to the current owners, the fourth and fifth generation.
The horse and carriage is still popular to many in our community today, and we have kept the same values and traditions that were founded by Bethia.
Then and now
- Founded by
- Bethia Jenkins
- Established
- 1880
- First premises
- Irvine Street
- Generations
- Five
- Managing Director
- Mr Gary C Jenkins
Five generations
The same family, the same city, the same promise.
First generation
Bethia Jenkins
Began the family funeral service in the mid 1870s and had it established as an independent company by 1880, operating from premises on Irvine Street. She founded it at a time when funeral services were predominantly male dominated, breaking barriers to provide an alternative, caring and bespoke service for the local community.
Second generation
Ernest Jenkins
Bethia's son, photographed conducting a funeral with a horse-drawn hearse. A timeless mode of transport that families still request from us today.
Third generation
Jimmy and Margaret Jenkins
Fondly remembered by the local community. Honouring our parents, we guide ourselves in assisting families with a personal and dignified service.
Fourth and fifth generation
Sheila, Gary and Andrew Jenkins
The current directors, with family members Tony Jenkins, Chloe Jenkins and Emily Jenkins alongside them, ensuring B Jenkins continues to operate as an independent, family funeral directors.
Where we are
The walls of this cottage tell the story of our family.
Today B Jenkins and Sons is thriving, and we are still proudly based at 4 Church Road North, Picton Clock, Wavertree.
As you approach the Picton clock roundabout, whether journeying to the city centre, Childwall, or nearby, you will notice our small, quaint Tudor cottage opposite the clock face. The walls of this cottage tell the story of our family and operations, a testament to the founder, Bethia Jenkins, and our dedicated journey.
The windows are filled with cards and letters from past families we have helped in their time of need. After celebrating 140 years in 2020, we now welcome feedback from everyone we serve.
We go beyond the remit of just arranging a funeral. We pride ourselves on caring not only for your loved one but for you as well, and we are here for you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
In the chapel
Families leave things behind.
Cards, letters, and now and then something carved in granite. They sit in the cottage windows and in the chapels, which is the only measure of this work that has ever really counted.
Professional standards
Members of SAIF and the NAFD
B Jenkins & Sons are proud to be members of both SAIF, The National Society Of Allied And Independent Funeral Directors, and the NAFD.
SAIF
Established 1989
SAIF represents more than 950 privately owned, independent funeral homes across the UK. They work within the profession to promote best practice and protect the interests of members and their local communities, and provide training and education programmes so members continue to meet the highest of standards. By choosing a SAIF member, bereaved families can be assured of a compassionate, professional approach, underpinned by an industry leading Code of Practice.
NAFD
Established 1905
The NAFD represents the entire spectrum of funeral directing businesses, including independent and family owned firms, co operatives and major funeral groups. It represents more than 4,100 UK funeral homes, as well as international firms and suppliers to the sector, providing advice, advocacy, education and support to help them meet the highest professional standards.