Our History

Mr Charles Nethercott originally came from Devon where his father and grandfather were cabinet makers and funeral directors. So it was an occupation he knew well. In the early days Mr Nethercott and all the staff were local. Everyone who assisted at funerals had full time jobs as well as helping at funerals, including Mr Nethercott. He was a Police Sergeant.

1911 - Mr Charles Nethercott retired from the Metropolitan Police and used his pension to formally set up the building, decorating and undertaking business. His wife Alice, who was also the local midwife, helped him. Working from their home in Blackhorse Lane South Mymms.

Early in the 1920s. Their eldest son, Guy, joined the business. In 1928 - Charles Nethercott died and his widow, Alice, took over the running of the business.

In 1932 another son, Cuthbert, joined his mother and brother in business. By 1933 the Company moved to the corner of St Albans Road and Blackhorse Lane. The building was renamed Arlingham House. It is still recognisable today and bears the same name. By 1936, Guy had left and Cuthbert taken over the running of the business. At this stage both funeral and building work was carried out from South Mymms. Two years later, Peter joined his elder brother and mother in the business.

Cuthbert always had an eye for business and was the driving force behind expansion and modernisation of the business. In 1946, the Company relocated to its current premises in Potters Bar. A new workshop, garages and mortuary facilities were built. Just two years later Alice died leaving Cuthbert in total control of the business.

In 1969 Charles Nethercott, Cuthbert’s son and the third generation joined the family business. As Charles was more interested in the funeral side rather than the building work the building company was sold in 1971

Working alongside his Father, Cuthbert, and Uncle Peter, Charles concentrated on providing a professional and caring service to bereaved families in Potters Bar and the surrounding areas. In 1982 Peter died, by then Charles had become the Managing Director and the main force behind the business. In 1985 Charles decided to expand and open a branch in Radlett. So now Nethercott’s could serve the whole of the Hertsmere area and beyond.

The Company has always prided itself on being a small independent Funeral Directors with time to treat each and every funeral and family with respect and dignity. So when in 1989 the opportunity to be a founder of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), an association established to promote best practice and protect the interests of independent funeral directors came along. Charles was ready and willing to give of his spare time to assist other independent funeral directors. Cumulating in 2007 when he took a year’s sabbatical to become the President of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).

In 2008 Victoria, the first of the fourth generation, joined the company. And three years later the Company celebrated its Centenary. With a service in St Marys Church Potters Bar. Victoria left company for a short period of time to expand her knowledge and experience of the profession, working for another funeral director on the South Coast and later becoming a regional manager for a large, independent Cemeteries and Crematoria management company before returning to Nethercotts in January 2018 as Business Director to oversee the day to day running of the business.

In September 2018, Charlotte, joined her sister and father in the company as Accounts Director and together, Victoria and Charlotte manage the business alongside their father.