Funeral directors, Welham Jones, offers horse-drawn funeral carriage service in south east London and Kent. Dating back to the early 1700’s, the tradition of a horse-drawn hearse is a symbol of a simpler time and, as they were historically a method of transportation often reserved for the rich, a demonstration of great respect to your loved one. However, many people do not know that horse-drawn hearses are still around today and available to give your loved one the send-off they deserve.
Horse-drawn funeral carriages are a traditional way to honour a loved one. They are available across West Kent and South East London through Welham Jones, who can arrange a Victorian-style glass hearse as part of a full funeral service.
The tradition of a horse-drawn funeral carriage represents a deeply respected custom; however, it is not as old as many believe. Historically, there was little need for a specialised horse-drawn hearse until the early 1700s, as local burial grounds meant coffins and caskets were simply carried by hand by mourners. As towns expanded and longer journeys became necessary, a wheeled funeral bier pulled by a horse-drawn vehicle became standard practice.
During the Victorian era, interest in these processions grew, and the traditional funeral cortege became an elaborate, ornate display of social standing, featuring horses in their finest plumage. Today, choosing a classic glass-sided hearse offers an authentic, timeless way to say goodbye.
No, the horses used in a carriage funeral service are not always black; families can also choose beautiful white horses for an uplifting, celebratory aesthetic. Whilst a team of black horses became the Western European and American standard during the 17th and 18th centuries to symbolise mourning and dignity, modern preferences have completely diversified.
In the Victorian period, black horses wearing plumes became so popular that their hooves were often meticulously blackened and polished to a mirror shine before a procession. However, as our Managing Director Simon Welham highlights, a white horse and carriage for funeral services is an elegant, widely requested alternative today. Selecting a white funeral horse and carriage can soften the visual impact of the day, transforming a solemn cortege into a graceful celebration of a life well-lived.
The most traditional and frequently selected breed used to pull a horse-drawn hearse is the Friesian horse, an elegant, heavy draft breed often referred to as “Belgian Blacks”. For families who choose a white horse and carriage funeral, grey horses such as Lipizzaner or Hungarian Greys are typically used. Our experienced funeral arrangers select a Friesian stallion or a matched pair of horses based on three key professional criteria:
A classic horse-drawn hearse from Welham Jones starts from £800 for a traditional matched pair of horses. The overall funeral horse and carriage prices vary depending on your specific requirements.
| Cortege Option | Estimated Starting Price | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Pair of Black Friesians | From £800 | Classic, traditional Victorian-style funeral procession |
| Pair of White/Grey Horses | From £800 | A lighter, celebratory, or contemporary aesthetic |
| Team of Four Horses (Black or White) | On Request | A grand, highly ornate ceremonial funeral cortege |
| Full Horse-Drawn Funeral Package | On Request | Complete service including carriage hire, professional fees, and essential arrangements |
To help families understand the cost of horse and carriage for funeral services, we maintain up-to-date and detailed pricing guides on our website. However, for further details about costs and the types of services we can offer, you can always pop into your local branch and have a chat with our friendly team.
Welham Jones has over 30 years of experience managing traditional funeral carriage hire and horse-drawn processions for communities across West Kent and South East London. Headed by a father-and-daughter team, our independent, family-run business possesses an intimate understanding of local traditions, routes and customs across all seven of our regional branch locations.
You can see the exceptional care and pristine turnouts we provide by watching our short videos online: view a majestic Horse Drawn Funeral Carriage towards Greatness Park Cemetery in Sevenoaks or explore a close-up of the immaculate preparation for a Welham Jones Funeral Carriage. Our deep family history ensures your loved one receives the dignified, personal send-off they truly deserve.
Opting for a traditional horse-drawn funeral carriage delivers a timeless, deeply moving tribute that beautifully honours local heritage and personal memories.
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