Burial or Cremation

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Cremation Funerals

Some people prefer to have the entire funeral service conducted at the crematorium, while others would rather have a service elsewhere either before or after the cremation.

We can work with you to design a funeral service that best suits your needs and wishes, whatever they may be.

Cremation Funerals
Keepsake Urns

Crematoria in the local area

There are 4 crematoriums in this area, in Southampton, Hedge End, Portchester and Havant.

Funeral services that take place in a crematorium have to be a specific length. The exact length of time available to you depends on which crematorium you choose.

Services at Portchester Crematorium generally last for 30 minutes, but they occasionally have some 45 minute bookings available; please let us know if that is something in which you might be interested and we can look into it for you.

Services at Southampton CrematoriumWessex Vale Crematorium at Hedge End, and The Oaks Crematorium in Havant all last 45 minutes.

If you would like to have the entire funeral service at a crematorium you may also want to think about how many people you think will attend. For further information about the sizes of the chapels at the different crematoriums can be read here.

Ashes

Following the cremation, you will need to think about what you feel is the most appropriate resting place for the ashes. If you would like us to, we can collect the ashes from the crematorium for you.

It is possible to have your loved one’s ashes scattered in the grounds of the crematorium. Each of the crematoriums has a slightly different provision for this; please see the page for the crematorium in which you are interested for further information.

Some people, especially in this area, like to scatter the ashes at sea. Please talk to us if you feel that may be of interest. In these circumstances, we would recommend that you use a biodegradable paper urn, or pillow. When placed in water it will float briefly then sink to the bottom where it breaks down naturally over time. Please click here for further information about the Ashes Pillows.

Another option is to have the ashes interred in a churchyard or council run cemetery. In those circumstances we can supply you with an oak ashes casket, which we will fit with a brass name plate. This link will give you further information about the different urns available.

Should you wish to scatter the ashes, we can discuss the practical considerations involved. We also have a range of Scatter Tubes available.

Some families like to keep a small portion of the ashes, once the remainder has been scattered or interred. If you would like to know more about that, please ask us about the range of Keep Sake Urns which we can supply for that purpose.

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Burial Funeral

Burial Funerals

In the past the majority of funerals were based around a burial, with the burial itself taking place in a Churchyard or, more recently, a council run cemetery.

Burials tend to be more expensive than cremations, since there is the cost of the purchase of a grave as well as the cost of the digging of the plot. Some local church cemeteries and council cemeteries are now full, however there are still many which have space for new burials and we have listed them below.

Burial Funerals

Your family may have already purchased a grave for another family member. If this was dug to a double depth we can arrange for this to be ‘re-opened’ for you and can help you apply for a change of ownership of the grave should that be relevant. We can also remove, renew or update any memorial.

New graves are generally dug to a depth that allows for two people to be buried in a single grave, although in cemeteries run by Southampton Council, it is possible to request that graves be dug to a triple depth should that be required.

You may want to consider purchasing an additional plot if you would like other family members to be buried close by.

If you choose a funeral based around a burial, the funeral service itself will normally take place in a local church or cemetery chapel, before a committal by the graveside but there are alternatives if the service is to be non-religious. Please speak to us if you would like further information about other possibilities.

Whether the funeral is to be a cremation or a burial we can help you to select a suitable coffin.  We will discuss the choices available when we meet to discuss the arrangements.  This meeting can take place at our premises, where we have a room set aside for this purpose, or in your own home at a time to suit you. We also offer appointments during the evenings and at weekends.

Over 100 Testimonials and Reviews

Although my review is simplistic it comes from the heart. Without A H Freemantle's Park Gate & Titchfield offices I could never have got through what was and always will be my darkest hour. Thank you for looking after my beautiful mother, Gwen. Special thanks to Jane and Dawn. And thank you Jane for recommending the wonderful Rev. Boggust. My brothers, sister, and myself will always remember the kindness, respect, and compassion shown by all at A H Freemantle.

Eleanor

James and the team at A H Freemantle did the most fantastic job for us when my brother died suddenly and unexpectedly. They were very clear about the things I had to make a decision on - not there and then but in my own time - but they also completely took over and seamlessly managed all those other things that have to be booked and paid for. They also gave me great advice about how to handle the things I needed to handle. They contributed hugely to giving my brother the send off that he deserved and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend A H Freemantle to anyone else when that time comes and you need a funeral director.

Kevin

I can’t praise Claire at the Botley branch enough, who looked after my husband’s funeral. She was very professional, but more than that she was kind, caring, and nothing was too much trouble. Going above and beyond, which made this very difficult time so much more bearable for my family and I.

Nicola

A H Freemantle were recommended to us after the death of our 6 year old son. They were fantastic, very supportive and no question was left unanswered or batted away. They were completely flexible on how we wanted to do things, even going as far as customising the clothes and accessories they wore on the day of the funeral at our request. The service itself was beautifully managed and the services provided by them were top class. If you are looking for a sympathetic, efficient and caring funeral director, we can very much recommend them.

Ian

Recently I was sadly in need of the services of A.H.Freemantle. I cannot find words to thank James and his staff enough. They guided and comforted me through the whole sad process. James's quiet steady professionalism both before, and during the ceremony made a dreadful experience much much easier to endure..highly recommended to anyone facing this inevitable ordeal. Thank you all.

Robert

We as a family would like to thank James and everyone at Freemantle’s Titchfield for all their help and guidance, James you made us feel so relaxed and calm, the day went without a hitch, we laughed we cried, our mum would of approved of everything, also a very big thank you to Martin the celebrant, you were all amazing thank you so much.

Sarah

We found James and all the team at A H Freemantle so helpful as usual, they looked after Mum back in April and our requirements with such care and understanding, just as they did for Dad in 2015. We would highly recommend them, as the help they give at a time of sadness is of great importance to the bereaved. Thank you.

Kevin

All I can say is that all the staff at the Titchfield branch have been excellent and helped myself and my sons to ensure my wife Caroline had a wonderful send off. Many thanks to all at Freemantle's in Titchfield.

Chris

We sincerely thank the staff and in particular Sarah and James at Freemantle's Titchfield for their understanding and kindness in organising and conducting the recent funeral of our son John. The whole process was guided with much empathy on such sad occasion.

Michael

We sincerly thank the staff and in particular Sarah and James at Freemantle's Titchfield for their understanding and kindness in organising and conducting the recent funeral of our son John. The whole process was guided with much empathy on such sad occasion.

Michael

Freemantles handled the funeral for my son - firstly they had to collect him from Leicester where his post mortem took place. From the start they were so caring and attentive to our distress as it was a sudden death. Kate the lady we dealt with was absolutely wonderful. She dealt with every detail with so much sympathy and feeling. The Celebrant they appointed was also terrific and dealt with the ceremony exactly as we wanted. If you find yourself losing a loved one I would highly recommend Freemantles. They totally helped make a nightmare of losing your child bearable.

Helen

Extremely kind & considerate. Very professional. I felt supported throughout a very difficult process. Jane was fantastic, sensitive and caring and made me feel that she truly understood and cared about us all.

Jill

Exemplary and highly professional service throughout, with every effort made to accommodate the wishes of the family. Would highly recommend to anyone faced with having to arrange a funeral.

Robert

James handled the funerals of both my mother and father, and in both cases everything went very smoothly and was done with great dignity. We could not have asked for more.

Peter

James and his team were extremely kind, thoughtful ad professional. As a family we appreciated the help and advice that was given.

Connie

Sarah's kindness, genuine warmth, understanding of the personal character of how people say goodbye to a loved one, and inclusive approach, together with her knowledge and professionalism made me feel 'held' throughout the process of organising and being at my mum's funeral. It made such a difference at a difficult time. Highly recommend this company to anyone.

Kes

James was incredibly understanding and dealt with a difficult situation with care and attention. Nothing was too much trouble.

Tim

James and the team really are who you need by your side when you are facing your most challenging times in life. I've been in need of the services of A H Freemantle twice in a year having lost both my mother and father. Honestly I couldn't recommend them enough, at such a challenging time they really did do everything to make it as bearable as possible. I can not recommend James and the team enough, they were truly incredible from start to finish.

Chris

James was kind, thoughtful and respectful. He gently guided us through the entire process with patience. This entire experience was a first for us and at one of the saddest and most traumatic times we felt as supported as possible. We would 100% recommend James and his team for the specialised and thoughtful work they do.

Natascha

I’ve never lost a parent and didn’t have a clue what I should be doing - James made us feel very relaxed, made sure that our mum would be well looked after with him which gave us comfort. The celebrant he chose was absolutely brilliant and really made the whole experience extremely personal to us. James even sourced out a Leopard print coffin for us - the first in 22 years apparently! Would really recommend

Kerris

The whole family were very comforted by the idea that my late mother was at your beautiful funeral home in such lovely surroundings. We are highly praising of every aspect of the care and professional support of you all at A H Freemantle. It certainly has been a great comfort to have been treated with friendliness and understanding at such a difficult time. We very much appreciate how well you communicated with us at every step of the organisation of the funeral, making everything run smoothly. The Orders of Service were beautifully presented too. The funeral was exactly what we had hoped for; we have had lovely comments from those who attended on the day and those who were far away watching the Webcast. The guidance and support you have given throughout has been faultless, making a sad time better.

Marion

From my first phone call to the completion of the funeral the staff at A H Freemantle gave outstanding service. They were professional and compassionate, taking time to listen to our requests and discuss the options. They made a difficult time easier and I knew I could trust them absolutely with the arrangements.

PM

I would like to thank all the staff at the Eastleigh branch of helping me through a very difficult time when my mother passed away recently. All the staff were so helpful, considerate and compassionate, Clair in the office was always helpful and kind and helped me through the whole process of arranging a funeral.

Robert

I would like to thank both James and Jane for the courtesy and respect shown to me and my family. They appreciated the tragic circumstances and were able to guide us gently through the Church service and subsequent committal at Wessex. You were as a company stars that day, showing us the way.

Brian

Having had experience with this company earlier in the year they were the natural choice when my wife died. Clair was absolutely brilliant from the initial enquiry and compassionately and clearly explained the whole process. Nothing was too much trouble and the whole range of options clearly laid out and explained. We really didn’t have to do anything ourselves. I would gladly recommend when the the time comes to anyone else.

Customer

Jane and her colleagues went above and beyond to support and guide my family and I through the most traumatic time. From the moment of instruction to the service itself, I received true professionalism coupled with empathy. Every detail was discussed, every request was met, with kindness and thought. Thank you.

Nicky

Sarah really put our family at ease and was very helpful. Made a very difficult thing to do a lot easier. Would highly recommend their services.

Verity

From start to finish, Jane, Elizabeth and Dawn were very kind and respectful, and on the day of the funeral, James made everything very easy. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this Company.

Karen

Excellent personable service. Caring and sensitive - Sarah always seemed to be available no matter what time. The attention to detail and everything was brilliant. We all felt very happy with the choice that we had made for our Mum's funeral and burial that we did not hesitate to use again for our Dad. Our Mum and Dad had such lovely "send offs" managed so well by A.H. Freemantles.

Susan

My family and I were treated with respect and sensitivity from the moment I walked in the office. Dawn was incredibly helpful and kind. Jane was very thorough and patient with us. I can’t praise Terry enough, he made me feel so at ease during a difficult time and is such a warm and lovely person. Huge thanks to A H Freemantle for giving my husband the send off he deserved and for looking after us in our time of grief, I couldn’t be more grateful.

Sophie