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.

Contact Levertons

Our business hours are 9am to 5pm, so please contact the branch closest to you within these hours. Alternatively submit an enquiry using our form.

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Need immediate assistance? Please get in touch. In the case of someone dying at home, or if you need to contact us out of our regular office hours, do call us. We can arrange collection 24 hours a day.

This has got to be the worst florists I’ve ever been to.

Review by Paul W left on 31 Aug 2025

Google

I made my initial appointment with Lorna Walkden at Kentish Town Branch. My friend had passed very unexpectedly. Lorna made the whole Process easy for me to understand. Could not recommend Leverton & Sons enough.

Review by Angel left on 17 Aug 2025

Google

Myself and family had exceptional service from Leverton & Sons. Very pleased and thankful for Lorna who helped guide me through the options with ease. Also much appreciation for the celebrant chosen for us Mr Andrew Pavlibeyi and the prompt and professional drivers. We would highly recommend Leverton & Sons services to anyone in need.

Review by David P left on 15 Aug 2025

Google

Lorna really made the whole expirience of organising my sons viewings and funeral very meaningful. She held me when my world fell apart and helped me piece together detailed tributes to honour my son Jamie. She was available in person, on the phone and via email when ever I needed. The funeral was beautiful. She made the hardest most painful time of my life very touching. Every detail was included and I felt guided and supported to make choices at my speed.

Review by Itahisa A left on 15 Aug 2025

TRUSTist

Leverton conducted both my parents’ funerals. Deborah is a consummate professional and their service was faultless throughout on both occasions. Thank you.

Review by Richard H left on 09 Aug 2025

TRUSTist

Review by Ellen B left on 07 Aug 2025

Google

James was sincere and responsive to our needs throughout. There was genuine integrity in their service they went above and beyond what I expected.

Review by Chris D left on 07 Aug 2025

Google

Leventons are truly excellent everything was so well organised and everyone so lovely. They have organised two cremations for us and both have been perfect. Deborah was so supportive an a pleasure to deal with.

Review by Susie H left on 06 Aug 2025

TRUSTist

Everything was just perfect . The Deborah at Leventons could not have done more a pleasure to deal with. Thank you

Review by Susie H left on 05 Aug 2025

TRUSTist

Leverton & Sons have been our family funeral directors for many years. After having trawled through websites looking for a simple but dignified farewell for my husband who just wanted something simple and unattended, I realised that Leverton & Sons fitted that request to a T. They make you feel at ease and stress-free even though you are experiencing grief at the loss of a loved one. Their prices are competitive and you meet the people who are taking care of your departed. Not so with online services who if you make an initial request for a quote , bombard you with text messages for days! Go with the personal touch especially if you require an unattended service, you will not regret it.

Review by Ellen B left on 05 Aug 2025

TRUSTist

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