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Clarksons Independent Funeral Directors Ltd will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Clarksons Independent Funeral Directors Ltd will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
Ready to speak to someone? A free, no-obligation call can help you understand the next steps.
If anything has changed, a quick call with a specialist can confirm.
A quick call with a specialist can help you figure out what applies.
Question of 3
Did the person who died own a property?
Including any property in their name, even if jointly owned.
Were there savings, investments, or other assets?
Bank accounts, shares, pensions, or valuables above a few thousand pounds.
Was there a will?
Even if you're not sure where it is, knowing one exists can change the process.
This can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A probate specialist can walk you through the next steps — no obligation, no pressure.
That's one less thing to worry about. If anything changes or you'd like a quick confirmation, a specialist can put your mind at rest.
Many families don't have all the information straight away — that's completely normal. A quick chat with a specialist can help you understand what applies to your situation.
What the probate process looks like
Apply for Grant of Probate
Collect assets & close accounts
Pay debts & tax
Distribute the estate
A specialist handles all of this for you.
Trusted by thousands of families across the UK
You probably don't need to pay for the funeral yourself
The estate will likely go through probate, which means the funeral costs can be paid from the estate. You need a probate specialist to make this happen.
Sail Probate · Fixed fees, nothing upfront
Probate might not be needed
That means the funeral costs probably can't be covered this way. But every situation is different — a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry — lots of people aren't sure at this stage. A quick chat can work out whether the funeral costs can be covered.
Want to talk it through?
Free, no obligation.
Want to check with a specialist?
Free, no obligation.
Want to find out for sure?
Free, no obligation.
Sail Probate · Trusted by thousands of families
A specialist will call you soon
Free, no-obligation advice from Sail Probate
What happens next
Request received
Just now
A specialist reviews your details
Within 1 hour
You'll receive a call
Within 24 hours
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Result saved
If you need help later, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
We'll give you a call
A Sail Probate specialist will talk you through everything and answer any questions.
Interested in: We handle everything (£6,000)
Interested in: Just the probate application (£1,000)
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
No problem
If you'd like to talk about probate or funeral costs, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Clarksons Independent Funeral Directors Ltd, located at Windsor Place, Upper Bristol Road, Bath, is an independent, family-run funeral firm owned by mother and daughter Carol Spalding and Sophie May. Originally established as Jolly's of Bath, the company underwent a name change in August 2001 and has been under Carol and Sophie's ownership since 2004, with Sophie joining as a partner in 2013. The Bath branch serves as the heart of the business, with Anne Booker, Senior Funeral Director, working alongside Carol and Sophie to care for families in the Bath office.
Clarkson's prides itself on providing a high level of personal attention, made possible by its independence from any national chain. The team believes that every funeral service should be individual, reflecting each client's wishes and personality — not just honouring tradition, but celebrating a life lived. Staff are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are happy to meet families at either of their offices or in the comfort of their own home.
Clarkson's is a registered member of the National Association of Funeral Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Good Funeral Guide, and the Natural Death Centre. They also offer the GriefChat bereavement support service, providing free counselling Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm.
"You were all so kind, patient and understanding and really helped us to get through the process. Together with your expertise, we managed to give Mum a great send off."
— Tony OBrien (about Carol)
"My family previously used Clarkson's when my Mum sadly passed away 15 years ago, and because of that there was never any doubt in our minds about who we would turn to again. They guided us through every step with patience and understanding, making what could have been an overwhelming experience feel far more manageable."
— George Miles
"They even liaised with the Bath Classic Motorbike Club, who provided a large and noisy escort for the hearse! You can tell that Clarksons are family run — every detail was attended to."
— Gillian Whiteley (about Sophie)
"Martyn created a beautiful photo montage video for me with some audio from a voice recording and made it absolutely perfect to be shown at the funeral. I felt really cared for and it was such a personal experience."
— Hannah Newman-Green (about Martyn)
"I really don't know how we would have got through my dear Mum's funeral if it hadn't been for the kindness and compassion shown by Martyn and everyone at Clarksons. It made such a sad time a little easier to bear for myself and my daughter."
— Liz Bright (about Martyn)
"What could have been overwhelming felt effortless in your hands. A special thanks for going the extra mile with the printing and delivery of the order of service — the whole family was delighted with the layout and design. On the day, Anne, Steve, the drivers, and pallbearers were superb — especially helping Dad's grandsons carry his coffin, which meant so much to us."
— chaudtooting (Mark) (about Anne)
Anne Booker
Senior Funeral Director
Anne Booker works alongside Carol and Sophie at the Bath office, helping to look after families with care and professio…
Anne Booker
Senior Funeral Director
"What could have been overwhelming felt effortless in your hands. A special thanks for going the extra mile with the pri…"
Anne Booker
Senior Funeral Director
"What could have been overwhelming felt effortless in your hands. Their calm guidance ensured everything ran smoothly — …"
Carol Spalding
Director
"You were all so kind, patient and understanding and really helped us to get through the process. Together with your exp…"
Carol Spalding
Director
Carol Spalding has co-owned Clarkson's since 2004 and oversees the Bath office, offering families personal and compassi…
Carol Spalding
Director
Carol Spalding is the co-owner of Clarkson's Independent Funeral Directors, having owned the company since 2004. She wo…
Sophie May
Partner
"They even liaised with the Bath Classic Motorbike Club, who provided a large and noisy escort for the hearse! You can t…"
Sophie May
Partner/Director
"From losing my mum quickly they were professional, kind, understanding and guided us through the process and made my mu…"
Sophie May
Partner
Sophie May, Carol's daughter, became a partner in 2013 and works alongside Carol in the Bath office, bringing a breadth…
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Ready to speak to someone? A free, no-obligation call can help you understand the next steps.
If anything has changed, a quick call with a specialist can confirm.
A quick call with a specialist can help you figure out what applies.
Question of 3
Did the person who died own a property?
Including any property in their name, even if jointly owned.
Were there savings, investments, or other assets?
Bank accounts, shares, pensions, or valuables above a few thousand pounds.
Was there a will?
Even if you're not sure where it is, knowing one exists can change the process.
This can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A probate specialist can walk you through the next steps — no obligation, no pressure.
That's one less thing to worry about. If anything changes or you'd like a quick confirmation, a specialist can put your mind at rest.
Many families don't have all the information straight away — that's completely normal. A quick chat with a specialist can help you understand what applies to your situation.
What the probate process looks like
Apply for Grant of Probate
Collect assets & close accounts
Pay debts & tax
Distribute the estate
A specialist handles all of this for you.
Trusted by thousands of families across the UK
You probably don't need to pay for the funeral yourself
The estate will likely go through probate, which means the funeral costs can be paid from the estate. You need a probate specialist to make this happen.
Sail Probate · Fixed fees, nothing upfront
Probate might not be needed
That means the funeral costs probably can't be covered this way. But every situation is different — a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry — lots of people aren't sure at this stage. A quick chat can work out whether the funeral costs can be covered.
Want to talk it through?
Free, no obligation.
Want to check with a specialist?
Free, no obligation.
Want to find out for sure?
Free, no obligation.
Sail Probate · Trusted by thousands of families
A specialist will call you soon
Free, no-obligation advice from Sail Probate
What happens next
Request received
Just now
A specialist reviews your details
Within 1 hour
You'll receive a call
Within 24 hours
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Result saved
If you need help later, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
We'll give you a call
A Sail Probate specialist will talk you through everything and answer any questions.
Interested in: We handle everything (£6,000)
Interested in: Just the probate application (£1,000)
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
No problem
If you'd like to talk about probate or funeral costs, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Get in touch
Call 01225426822We'll call you back
Clarksons Independent Funeral Directors Ltd will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Clarksons Independent Funeral Directors Ltd will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
You've completed of 18 steps on the bereavement checklist.
Continue your checklist18 things to sort when someone dies — keep track so nothing gets missed.
See the full checklist
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