A Reassuring History of Gentle Care
Est. 1847
Spanning the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, H L Hawes & Son has carried a singular commitment- delivering outstanding personal care when it is needed the most.
Serving the Community Since 1847
For over 175 years, H L Hawes & Son has served families across Essex and the London Boroughs with dignity and compassion. Our longstanding tradition of care is built upon a foundation of local knowledge and genuine respect for the families we serve.
Today, we remain a team of dedicated professionals who treat every service with the same honesty, trust, and respect that has guided us since our very first day.
Humble Beginnings in the East End
The story of H L Hawes & Son began in 1847 in Mile End New Town. At that time, Henry Lawrence Hawes was a coal merchant. In the mid-19th century, men who owned transport and premises were frequently called upon to arrange funerals for their community.
Life in the East End was challenging during this period; tragically, over half of children died before their third birthday, and our first recorded funeral was that of a child.
Growth and Evolution
In the 1880s, the family business underwent a significant change. Henry Hawes had three sons, two of whom eventually established their own funeral firms elsewhere in the East End. Henry moved to Ilford with his son, also named Henry, officially establishing H L Hawes & Son as it is known today.
Modern Era and Expansion
The company’s modern legacy began in 1947 when Mr and Mrs Selwyn Griffiths joined the firm, eventually becoming directors and steering its growth for decades
Joining the West & Coe Family
In 2016, H L Hawes & Son joined the West & Coe family. This was more than a merger; it was a unification of two historic, family-led legacies that share identical core values of honesty, trust, and respect.
West & Coe, established in 1903, brings a deep commitment to tradition and excellence that perfectly complements our own. Today, under the leadership of the West family, with Jeremy West as Chairman and Managing Director, our partnership ensures that H L Hawes & Son remains a steadfast, independent presence in our community. Together, we operate as one team with a shared vision, providing unparalleled care to our local families and investment in local communities, from supporting sports clubs to charity fundraising.
The Strength of Our People
The true heart of our independent funeral director services lies within our exceptional team, where our operational care is guided by a dedicated mix of long-standing staff and a close-knit group of family professionals. Led by our Manager, Richard Hampton, our team includes his brother, Andrew Hampton, who brings valuable continuity by working across both HL Hawes & Son and our wider locations. Alongside our wonderful, deeply committed non-family staff members, Richard is proudly joined by his nephew, Brett Mann, and the father-and-son duo of William & Aaron Gill. Having these family members and dedicated professionals work side-by-side allows us to extend a uniquely consistent, deeply personal experience that encompasses every stage of our care, from the initial arrangements through to the funeral service and ongoing support. As a family-owned and family-run business, H L Hawes & Son operates with the shared values and support of West & Coe, ensuring that our generations of shared experience are entirely focused on looking after your family and serving our local community.
We take immense pride in the dedication of our entire workforce. Because so many of our team members choose to spend the majority of their careers with us, returning local families are always reassured to find the same familiar faces guiding them through difficult times, finding true comfort in meeting the exact same individuals they have encountered on previous occasions.
Award-Winning Care
Our company places a great emphasis on continuous staff training to ensure we meet the highest standards of care. Families can easily identify our dedicated team as they will usually see the same personnel on each service we conduct, often accompanied by our distinctive funeral vehicles bearing the “HLH” registration plates.
We ensure our staff are trained to the highest professional standards and are proud members of The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).
More Than a Funeral Service - A Part of the Community
HL Hawes & Son has always been a familiar and supportive presence in the communities we serve — not just in moments of loss, but through everyday connection and shared commitment.
Still family-run; trusted by generations of local families
West & Coe continued to grow from 2016 onwards, acquiring several respected family-run funeral businesses, including H. L. Hawes in Barkingside and Chingford, followed by established firms in Harwich, Kirby Cross, Burwash, and Heathfield. Each was carefully refurbished and integrated while retaining its local identity.
Alongside this growth, West & Coe strengthened its long-standing commitment to community support through charity fundraising, local partnerships, and continued investment in quality, care, and facilities. With fourth-generation family members now involved, the company looks to the future grounded in experience, family values, and community trust.
More Than a Funeral Service - A Part of the Community
HL Hawes & Son has always been a familiar and supportive presence in the communities we serve — not just in moments of loss, but through everyday connection and shared commitment.
We proudly support:
Local sports clubs
We are proud sponsors of Dagenham & Redbridge FC and Hornchurch Cricket Club as well as local bowls clubs.
Local charities
We take great pride in supporting a variety of local charities, a commitment that deepened significantly in 2010 with the launch of our annual Charity Golf Day and numerous other events. The dedicated involvement of our staff has been pivotal in achieving an incredible milestone: raising nearly £500,000 over a decade.
Local events
We’re passionate about actively participating in local life, from sponsoring seasonal festivals to rolling up our sleeves for grassroots initiatives. We’re proud to be part of the local fabric and dedicated to supporting our community.
Words from the
Families We’ve Helped
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