Levertons Since 1789

History of Levertons

Leases dating from 1789 show John Leverton of Henry Street (click to view map dated 1799) buying land and selling the houses he built on them. At this time, funeral work was conducted by local carpenters “undertaking” to make the coffins and transport the body. Leverton and Sons Ltd has been a family owned company of funeral directors based within the St Pancras area of London for two hundred and twenty years.

In 1763, John Leverton was baptised in the village of Meeth, Devon. One day he packed his bags and in 1789 he made the long journey to London to set up business as a carpenter. Coming from a Devonshire village, eighteenth century London must have seemed a vast place.

Initially, coffin-making would have represented only a small part of the work which employed John all those years ago, but as the area became more densely populated, the funeral side of his work expanded at such a rate that it soon dominated the business.


In the fourth generation of Leverton funeral directors, Henry John (1859-1935) was the eldest son. He moved our business premises to Eversholt Street in 1888. Our head office is in the same street today. His son Stanley (1883-1963) became a partner in 1909 and was later joined by his own sons: Derrick, Ivor and Basil. The seventh generation is represented by Ivor’s sons, Keith (now retired) and Clive. Our Head Office is in Eversholt Street where cousins Pippa and Andrew are based.

As children, Keith and Clive assumed that all houses had the phone ringing in the middle of the night and that everyone’s dads abandoned half-eaten evening meals on a regular basis. Funeral directing as a family trade is unusual because the business affects the lives of your nearest and dearest at all hours of the day. So, as children, the Levertons were always aware that the people on the other end of the telephone had to be treated with great care. This is without doubt where our training began.

Keith recalls meeting the school careers officer for the first time. The man had spent most of his day advising boys that they may not necessarily be selected for Arsenal and trying to convince them that perhaps a back-up plan might be a good idea. Keith sat down and firmly said ‘I want to be a funeral director’. The careers adviser was speechless for some time. Whether it was relief or disbelief, we’ll never know.

Modern communications have made our work much easier. The 24 hour nature of funeral directing can now be shared among several people as opposed to being the job of those who live above a Levertons branch. In the early days, it was the doorbell. Most people died at home 50 years ago and when that happened, we were around the corner - the first port of call for a family in distress.

Download a pdf of an article Basil Leverton wrote for the Camden Historical Society back in 1982 which gives more information about the History.

Immediate Assistance

In the case of someone dying at home, or if you need to contact us for immediate assistance out of our office hours, please do call us. We can arrange collection at any time of day or night:

Two family funerals in the space of three years. Leverton and Sons can't be faulted. Attention to detail is all part of their service and nothing is too much trouble. Highly recommend.

Review by Ann H left on 21 Jul 2025

Google

I am from Germany and my sister died in a Hospital in London. I asked if Leverton can help us and what we have to do. Carmel was so kind and helpfull to us, so everything was as we wanted. Many thanks from us to Carmel and the Team behind. Best regards. Mathias

Review by Mathias R left on 21 Jul 2025

TRUSTist

The funeral went as planned with kindness, dignity and with all the expected support in difficult times. Leverton & Sons are still with us after more than 200 years for good reason. Thank you.

Review by David F left on 20 Jul 2025

Google

Thank you to Michael and the team for their time & understanding at at difficult time. I have had a positive experience during all the communication with this company and would recommend them.

Review by Corina C left on 17 Jul 2025

Google

Every aspect of Leverton's involvement was first class, done with discretion, understanding, efficiency and kindness.

Review by Michael L left on 15 Jul 2025

TRUSTist

From start to finish Levertons funeral directors have been nothing short of first class in dealing with firstly our fathers funeral and some 10 months later our mother's, their patience, understanding and organisational awareness just took so much pressure of us, just professional in every way.

Review by V S left on 15 Jul 2025

TRUSTist

When our grandmother passed away, we chose Leverton & Sons and were supported by Lorna throughout the process. She was incredibly kind, considerate, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. As it was my first time organising a funeral, I truly appreciated the care and guidance we received. Lorna took the time to walk us through everything and made a very difficult time more manageable. The team was also very accommodating to our needs, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Leverton & Sons. Thank you so much, Lorna.

Review by Andy C left on 07 Jul 2025

TRUSTist

When our grandmother passed away, we chose Leverton & Sons and were supported by Lorna throughout the process. She was incredibly kind, considerate, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. As it was my first time organising a funeral, I truly appreciated the care and guidance we received. Lorna took the time to walk us through everything and made a very difficult time more manageable. The team was also very accommodating to our needs, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Leverton & Sons. Thank you so much, Lorna.

Review by Andy C left on 07 Jul 2025

Google

Lorna and her colleagues were very professional, responsive and symphatetic. They made what it was a challenging time for me and my family much easier.

Review by ADIS P left on 02 Jul 2025

Google

At the Camden branch of Levertons,James met us in our grief with a quiet professional manner.He arranged the funeral ,step by step,consulting us all the way.What had been for me,a dreaded event ,became a most wonderful,memorable experience.I can't recommend Levertons highly enough,or thank them enough.

Review by helen a left on 25 Jun 2025

Google

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