Head Office
Peterlee
The Manse, Bede Way, Peterlee, SR8 1AD
0191 586 4322Open 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Branch details and directionsFamily owned since 1971
Caring for East Durham families, as we have for more than 50 years
Our service begins from your first call and continues beyond the funeral itself, so every detail is carried out to your wishes, with the care and respect your family deserves.
- Since 1971Family owned and run
- SAIF standardsEvery service completed to them
- Qualified embalmerBritish Institute of Embalmers
- Cruse trainedIn house bereavement counsellor
Our branches
Find your nearest branch
Four funeral homes across East Durham, each with a private lounge. Our Chapels of Rest are at our Peterlee and Trimdon Grange funeral homes. The Peterlee office is open 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Our other funeral homes are seen by appointment. Phone lines are answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Since 1971
Horden
Normandale House, Fifth Street, Horden, SR8 4BU
0191 586 5178Visits by appointment. Call us any time to arrange.
Branch details and directionsEasington Colliery
Claxton House, Seaside Lane, Easington Colliery, SR8 3LJ
0191 527 1499Visits by appointment. Call us any time to arrange.
Branch details and directionsTrimdon Grange
Belle Vue House, Balmoral Terrace, Trimdon Grange, TS29 6ET
01429 883 777Visits by appointment. Call us any time to arrange.
Branch details and directions24 hour line
Here day and night
Call our 24 hour line and someone will answer, whatever the hour.
Call 0191 586 4322Funeral services
Every funeral as individual as the person
Every life is unique, so each funeral should reflect the character of the person. We will guide you through each choice, and can visit you at home to talk things through.
Traditional funeralsA full service and procession, with our hand crafted silver Jaguar hearse and limousines.
Bespoke and personalisedMusic, colours and personal touches that reflect a life, including horse drawn or motorcycle hearses.
Religious and non-religiousChurch and faith services with your minister, or celebrant led and humanist ceremonies.
Burial and woodland burialChurchyard, cemetery and natural burial options explained plainly.
Chapels of restA peaceful, private room at our Peterlee and Trimdon Grange funeral homes. Visit by appointment, as often as you wish.
Our vehicle fleetChauffeur driven limousines seat seven, collecting you and returning you home or to the reception.
Funeral notices
Latest funeral notices
Letting people know that someone has died is never easy. We offer a complimentary funeral notice service through our Facebook page, a simple and respectful way to share the funeral details with family and friends.
Where possible, we can also set up donations in memory of your loved one, so people can give and leave a message even if they cannot attend.
Pre-paid funeral plans
Arrange and pay for your funeral in advance
A plan lets you set out your wishes and spare your family worry and expense later. We are proud to partner with Golden Charter, so you can choose us as your preferred funeral director and we will carry out your wishes locally, with the utmost care and respect.
A Golden Charter plan is available to all UK residents, regardless of age or state of health.
Please quote East Durham Funeral Service Ltd when you call.
East Durham Funeral Service Ltd is an introducer appointed representative of Golden Charter Limited trading as Golden Charter Funeral Plans which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 965279).
Our history
Serving East Durham since 1971
East Durham Funeral Service opened its first branch in Horden in 1971. Founder Barrie Lee was one of the first independent funeral directors in the area, and families from across the region soon chose us when they lost someone they loved.
In 1982 Mr Lee's son-in-law, Philip Maddison, joined the firm. After Mr Lee's retirement, Philip opened a further four branches in Peterlee, Easington, Trimdon and Wingate, with Peterlee later becoming our Head Office.
- 1971First branch opens in Horden, founded by Barrie Lee.
- 1982Philip Maddison, Mr Lee's son-in-law, joins the firm.
- 2005Philip is joined by his son Tom. His daughter Ellen also works with us today.
- 2020We invest in a new fleet of hand crafted silver Jaguar vehicles, the first in East Durham.
Reviews
What families say about us
Many local families choose us on personal recommendation. You can read what families have said about us, in their own words, on Trustpilot.
Read our reviews on TrustpilotAll of the team at East Durham Funeral Services are exceptional people.
At such a traumatic time they treated us all with kindness, compassion and respect.
Nothing was too much trouble.
All of our queries and questions were answered quickly and positively.
I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone.
We could not have asked for better service from Ellen and her team, they looked after us so well during such an awful time. Will be forever grateful.
What should I do first when someone dies?
Call us at any hour on 0191 586 4322. We will listen, explain what needs to happen and answer your questions. Once a doctor has attended, or the hospital or care home is ready, we make the arrangements to bring your loved one into our care.
How many funeral homes do you have?
Four, in Peterlee (our Head Office), Horden, Easington Colliery and Trimdon Grange. Each has a private lounge, and our Chapels of Rest are at Peterlee and Trimdon Grange. See our branches.
Can you visit us at home?
Yes. Our staff are happy to visit you in the privacy of your own home to talk things through.
Where can I see your prices?
On our Standardised Price List, which is one click from every page. All funeral directors are legally required to publish this price list for a standardised set of products and services, so you can compare prices.
Can I call you at night or at the weekend?
Yes. Our 24 hour line, 0191 586 4322, is answered day and night, every day of the year.