The funeral cortege – the journey that carries the deceased and mourners to the site of the funeral ceremony – has long been seen as a purely functional aspect of the service; a way from get from A to B. However, at Welham Jones, we believe that there are a whole host of opportunities that hide between these two little letters, and that the cortege it is an often-overlooked opportunity for loved ones to reminisce one last time. So, what are the popular sights that bring back memories for Tonbridge locals? and how can you customise your cortege?
A funeral cortege, also known as a funeral procession, is the respectful journey that carries the deceased to their final resting place, often with loved ones following in convoy. It’s both a symbolic and literal final journey; one that can bring comfort, memory, and meaning to those left behind.
The procession traditionally starts with a hearse, followed by immediate family members and close friends. However, the modern funeral cortege is increasingly flexible. Some families invite neighbours, carers, former colleagues, and others to join. The route itself can be adapted to pass by locations of personal significance to the deceased; bringing a moment of recognition and reflection for both mourners and the wider community.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many families found creative ways for others to pay their respects. Funeral processions would often pass by the deceased’s old home or street, allowing neighbours and friends to step outside and say goodbye from afar. This spirit of personalisation remains just as important today.
A cortege can begin from many places. While it often leaves from the deceased’s home or, for Tonbridge clients, our Tonbridge funeral home, centrally located at 164 High Street, TN9 1BB. As Rosanna Hayward, our Tonbridge funeral arranger, explains:
“When I arrange a funeral, I always make sure that the team and I all go out, say farewell, bow respectfully to the deceased, so the family knows we’re with them until the last moment.”
You can meet Rosanna in a full interview here
However, the procession can also start at a care home, reception venue, or even the home of a close family member. Some families prefer to start the procession from the place where everyone will gather afterward.
Today, pretty much every aspect of the cortege can be tailored to the life of the deceased, for example while the funeral vehicle was traditionally a hearse, more and more modern families are opting for unique alternatives—from vintage cars to motorcycles, especially when they hold personal significance. However, the most common mode of customisation is achieved by the route. Popular places to pass by on a funeral route in Tonbridge include:
Rosanna recalls a particularly moving moment:
“We had one client who had been a train driver all his life, right up until his death, even. He was so beloved at work but his colleagues couldn’t all get time off to attend the funeral, so his family asked us to drive the cortege past the Tonbridge Train Station at a specific time. His team were waiting on the forecourt to wave him off. It was one of the most touching goodbyes I’ve witnessed.”
The funeral cortege ends at the place of committal, whether that’s a crematorium, graveyard or churchyard. In Tonbridge and the surrounding area, popular destinations include:
There are also open churchyards available in several village churches around Tonbridge. However, churchyard burials are often restricted to local parishioners where other family members have previously been buried.
For guidance on local crematoria and churchyard availability, visit our Local Cemeteries and Crematoria page or speak to one of our team.
A funeral cortege through Tonbridge can be bigger than A to B – it can be a personal tribute full of memory, meaning and reflection.
Planning a funeral, whether for a loved one or for yourself in advance, is one of the most personal decisions you’ll ever make. It’s also one that often has to be made quickly, and during a time of great emotional stress. That’s why it’s so important to feel confident that the funeral director you choose is the right fit for your family. As a family-run, independent funeral director with branches across West Kent and South East London, we understand how crucial trust, transparency and compassion are when supporting someone through loss. Here’s how to make sure you’re in safe hands from the very start.
As a local, independent, family-run funeral director, we know the importance of putting an empathetic, compassionate face to a name, and being able to build a rapport with your funeral director. This is why it is our pleasure to introduce Tonbridge locals to Rosanna Hayward, our passionate and committed funeral arranger, overseeing our Tonbridge operations.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to rage on, there is sadly no better news when it comes to funeral costs. SunLife recently released their Cost of Dying Report 2025 and found that it is currently more expensive than ever to die. But what do these statistics really mean? Where is your – or your loved ones’ – money going? And what financing options are available to ease stress in an already emotional time?
We're here to help
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec in elit non nunc gravida vehicula eget a arcu.
