Pepperdine Barrett celebrates 150th anniversary
In 2015, Barrett became sole owner and the company is now run by him, his children John and Kate, and his family
Pepperdine Barrett funeral directors has celebrated its 150th year of being a family-owned, family-run, independent business.
R. Pepperdine and Sons Ltd was founded in 1873 by Richard Pepperdine, who moved from a farming background in Lincolnshire to start a joinery business in Manchester.
It was a natural progression in those days to provide coffins for the community.
In the late 1970’s, Manchester Corporation, as it was then known, decided to demolish the shopping area of Alexandra Road, Moss Side, where the company’s head office was based.
Land nearby was offered for alternative premises but the architect who drew up no less than 40 sets of plans was thwarted at every turn by the City Planning Department.
Eventually, the company’s present premises “Alexandra House” were discovered but planning permission was refused. An appeal, however, was successful.
Robert’s son, Keith Pepperdine, started in the firm in 1962 and was joined in 1983 by Frank Barrett as funeral director and manager.
Barrett joined the board of directors in 1995 and became managing director after Keith’s retirement.
In 2015, Barrett became sole owner and the company is now run by him, his children
John and Kate, and his family.