Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Funeral Directors in Croydon Since 1873
Established in 1873, Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors have served the Croydon and South London communities for over 150 years. As a family-run business, we prioritise compassionate, personalised funeral arrangements tailored to individual needs. Our expertise spans traditional, eco-friendly, military, and direct cremation services, alongside memorial options and bereavement support. Accredited by leading industry bodies, including the National Association of Funeral Directors and the British Institute of Funeral Directors, we uphold rigorous standards of professionalism.Our team, with generations of experience, offers 24/7 assistance, ensuring dignity and respect throughout the process. We also support local bereavement initiatives through the Rowland Brothers Foundation. With branches across Croydon, Purley, Coulsdon, and beyond, we remain committed to serving diverse communities with empathy and care.
Services
Traditional Funerals
Simple Funerals
Eco-friendly Funerals
Military Funerals
Direct Cremations
Highlights and features
- We offer over 150 years of experience in compassionate funeral care.
- Our team provides 24/7 support for urgent arrangements.
- We tailor services to reflect individual cultural and religious needs.
- Our staff are certified counsellors specialising in bereavement support.
- We hold accreditations from leading industry associations.
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Funeral Directors
- British Institute of Funeral Directors
- National Association of Memorial Masons
- National Association for Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
- International Order of the Golden Rule
What people say
Professional and caring
Smooth arrangements
Personalised touches
24/7 availability
Bereavement support
Services
Traditional Funerals
Our traditional funerals provide a structured, dignified ceremony with full arrangements including chapel of rest, hearse, and pallbearers. We coordinate floral tributes, order of service booklets, and venue bookings, ensuring adherence to cultural and religious customs. Families receive guidance on eulogies, music selection, and guest management, creating a meaningful tribute that reflects the deceased's life while offering emotional support throughout the process.
Eco-friendly Funerals
Sustainable funeral options using biodegradable materials, electric vehicles, and natural burial grounds. We offer eco-conscious coffin choices, digital memorialisation to reduce paper use, and partnerships with certified green cemeteries. Our advisors help plan low-impact ceremonies incorporating native flowers and recycled materials, aligning with environmental values without compromising on respectful commemoration or regulatory compliance for carbon-neutral arrangements.
Military Funerals
Honouring service personnel with full military honours, including flag-draped coffins, rifle parties, and Last Post ceremonies. We coordinate with veterans' associations, handle repatriation logistics, and ensure adherence to MOD guidelines. Specialist services include arranging regimental representatives, displaying medals, and creating commemorative booklets that detail military achievements, providing families with a dignified farewell that recognises the deceased's service and sacrifice.
Direct Cremations
Cost-effective, streamlined cremation services without a formal ceremony. We handle all legal documentation, coffin provision, and crematorium bookings, with optional ash scattering or interment arrangements. Families receive regular updates via phone or email, with flexibility to hold private memorials separately. This service includes 24/7 support for urgent cases and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements while maintaining respectful handling throughout the process.
Bereavement Support
Ongoing emotional support through certified counsellors, including one-on-one sessions and group therapy. We provide resources for coping with loss, navigating probate, and managing inheritance matters. The Rowland Brothers Foundation offers free local counselling services, with referrals to specialist support networks for complex grief cases, ensuring families receive comprehensive care beyond the funeral itself to aid long-term emotional recovery.
People
Tony Rowland
Chairman
Chairman with 60+ years' experience, founding Rowland Brothers International in 1971. Active in community organisations including Round Table and Rotary, he combines operational oversight with strategic development, maintaining hands-on involvement in daily operations despite retiring age norms.
Steve Rowland
Managing Director
Third-generation funeral director overseeing group development since 1990. He transitioned from frontline roles to strategic leadership, ensuring service excellence across all branches while maintaining family business values through modern operational improvements and staff training initiatives.
Joe Rowland
Commercial Director
Sixth-generation family member with 15+ years' experience across all departments. He manages supply chain operations and online services, blending traditional funeral practices with digital innovations to expand service accessibility while preserving personal client relationships.
Questions
What types of funerals do you arrange?
We arrange traditional, eco-friendly, military, direct cremation, and bespoke memorial services tailored to individual preferences.
Can you assist with repatriation?
Yes, we handle international repatriation including documentation, transportation, and local coordination for overseas funerals.
Do you offer 24/7 support?
Our team provides round-the-clock assistance for urgent arrangements and immediate family support needs.
How can I pre-plan a funeral?
We offer prepaid funeral plans to lock in costs and ensure your wishes are documented and respected.
What bereavement resources exist?
Certified counsellors, support groups, and the Rowland Brothers Foundation provide ongoing emotional assistance and community resources.
Can I personalise funeral details?
Yes, we help incorporate personal elements like music choices, floral arrangements, and unique memorial tributes.
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Reviews (4)
Tracey Epps
Dec 18, 2020
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We used Rowland Brothers for our mums funeral 7 years ago. They were professional and kind. We could not fault them in anyway. Now we are sadly back again for my dad, but we know that we will be in good hands.
Ashes Into Glass
Nov 14, 2020
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Throughout the six years we have worked alongside Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors we have found them to be personal and professional. This family run business shares our commitment to delivering their families the best standard of service and care.
Robbie Matthews
Oct 02, 2020
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Thank you Rowland brothers for giving my mum Muriel a send off to remember . You helped us through a difficult time . It was all we wanted and more .
Sam R.
Dec 15, 2019
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Roland brothers purley. Pippa helped me arrange my mums funeral, she is a lovely lady who is very professional and kind and understanding, I am so glad I used these funeral directors, Pippa arranged everything so well, I would definitely recommend her and roland brothers. Thank you so much.
