Henry Smith – undertaker and monumental mason

The re-imagined story …

My friend Albert Smith had his career planned well ahead. To be honest I suppose most of us boys did. We all knew we would follow our fathers into the Works, but Albert had a different career path. He was going to be an undertaker – death was big business in the 1880s.

“He’s a canny bloke, that Henry Smith,” my father said. He had worked alongside Albert’s father in the Carriage and Wagon Works before Mr Smith made undertaking his chosen profession. “Have you seen the size of that new cemetery they’re building on Kingshill? Perhaps it’s something you could be thinking about.”

I looked at him in horror. He laughed when he saw my expression.

“Don’t worry boy, I’ve already spoken for you.”

I don’t think I would have been cut out to be an undertaker, not like Albert. I think it’s more of a calling.

“Everyone dies, boy,” said my father. “Everyone dies.”

The facts …

A.E. Smith was founded around 1880 by Henry Smith a carpenter and joiner. The early premises were situated in Gordon Road, Swindon next to what is now the Princes Street car park. 

At the time of the 1911 census Henry lived at 1 Clifton Street, close to the cemetery where he had spent so many hours.  He died there on November 14, 1917.  He left £3,072 17s 6d to be administered by his three sons.  Albert Edward had taken over the funeral business while James Henry Smith was a railway official and Joseph William a railway storekeeper.

Henry was buried in Radnor Street Cemetery on November 17^th.  The service was conducted by Mr Spargo and naturally the funeral was performed by his son.  Henry lies in plot D191.

In the mid 1960’s A.E. Smith & Son moved to their present site in Queens Drive, Swindon and these premises have been expanded and refurbished as the business continued to grow.

The business finally passed out of the Smith family in 1976 when it was acquired by Lodge Brothers, another family firm of funeral directors founded by James Lodge in 1780.

Death of Mr. H. Smith – Mr Henry Smith passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Clifton Street after being ill for a considerable time. He was 75 years of age. Mr. Smith was a very well known and highly respected resident, and was formerly a member of the New Swindon District Council and of the Town Council. He went to London when a young man, but returned to Swindon and obtained a position in the GWR Works. When he left the Works he commenced business on his own account as a carpenter and undertaker. He married the eldest daughter of the late Mr. James Sextone, of Burderop. Deceased leaves a sorrowing widow, with four sons and four daughters. The funeral will take place tomorrow (Saturday.)

North Wilts Herald, Friday, November 16, 1917.

An old photo of Henry Smith’s memorial which has recently been renovated and restored.