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W J Beswetherick and Son Ltd will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and W J Beswetherick and Son 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
W J Beswetherick and Son Ltd is one of Truro's longest established independent funeral directors, founded in 1959 by William John Beswetherick and now in its fourth generation of family ownership. Based at their purpose-built premises in Fairmantle Street, Truro, the firm has been supporting families across Cornwall through some of their most difficult times for nearly 75 years. Their approach is rooted in listening, understanding, and respecting the wishes of each family they serve, guiding them through the funeral process with patience, compassion, and professionalism.
The business has a rich history, beginning when founder William John Beswetherick, a former carpenter and wheelwright, established the firm in Pydar Street, Truro. His son Percy joined in 1960, followed by Percy's daughter Cindy in 1982, who became the first female funeral director in Cornwall. Today, Percy's wife Gloria and Cindy run the business as a mother and daughter team, supported by Cindy's husband Simon and the wider team.
W J Beswetherick and Son Ltd offers a comprehensive range of funeral services including traditional and direct cremations, burial options, pre-paid funeral plans through Golden Charter, and charitable donation administration. They are members of both the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the British Institute of Funeral Directors (BIFD), reflecting their commitment to the highest professional standards.
"A pre-paid plan really helps when the day comes, not only because of the costs but the decisions have been made by the person beforehand. It certainly helped us when we were at the height of our grief."
— Sonia Hamilton-Martin (about Simon)
"They handled all the arrangements for my mum's funeral with great sensitivity and care. We are very grateful for all the support and effort that Simon and colleagues delivered."
— Gee Dee (about Simon)
"From the outset they were all incredibly helpful, empathetic, and kind. Thank you Simon, Cindy, Leigh and Stefan. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend you."
— Tony Archer (about Simon)
"From the moment my mother met Simon and took out a pre-paid plan, it was with dignity and sensitivity. My mother's wishes were carried out with the greatest respect. We took in our mother's favourite party dress, shoes, and bag so she could be buried in style."
— Sonia Hamilton-Martin (about Simon)
"We did actually say afterwards that Mum would really have enjoyed the funeral if she had been there! They made what could have been a really difficult process as straightforward as possible."
— Gee Dee (about Simon)
"Simon and his team were absolutely amazing, they cared, they took care of all the details, no matter how small. They were really patient with my many calls and also reassured my sister who found losing our mother very difficult. On the day Simon and his team were truly amazing, caring throughout and took the stress and strain from us so that we could grieve on the day."
— Sonia Hamilton-Martin (about Simon)
Cindy
Co-director / Funeral Director
Cindy became the third generation to join the firm in 1982 and was the first female funeral director in Cornwall. She c…
Gloria Beswetherick
Co-director
Percy's wife, Gloria, co-runs the business alongside Cindy as part of the family's mother and daughter team.
Simon
Support / Funeral Staff
"Simon and his team were absolutely amazing, they cared, they took care of all the details, no matter how small. They we…"
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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 01872274021We'll call you back
W J Beswetherick and Son Ltd will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and W J Beswetherick and Son 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
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Truro, Cornwall. All members uphold a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection it deserves.
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