The town's oldest firm of funeral directors has conducted funerals from these premises (about 100 yards from Kingston station) since 1908. The original interior is Grade II listed. The building also contains the Frederick W Paine Museum and the firm's archive going back to 1884.

It’s a captivating insight into changes in funeral practices as the company serves the area through two world wars, epidemics and inevitable social change. You’ll find out why cremation was a ‘slow burner’ for the Victorians and how embalming gained popularity in the UK after it was used on the battlefields of the American Civil War. Did you know it costs three times as much to be buried outside of your borough of residence and that one of the first cremations locally was that of John Langdon Down of Teddington?

Why not combine your visit with a trip to Kingston Library Fairfield Road - very close and there are some nice shops too!

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Cost: Free but donations welcome.

Please contact Charmaine if you would like to come on this visit.