Our History: The Beginning
William Alty
Horse and carriage of Wm. Alty & Sons
Broomfield Place, Blackburn
Cann Bridge Steet, the home of our Higher Walton (Preston) funeral home
Our founder, William Gregson Alty, began his working life on Gregson Farm in Brindle, just a short distance from our Higher Walton office on Cann Bridge Street.
William later became a coal merchant and was well known in the Blackburn area; using his horse-drawn carriage, he would take local residents on countryside day-trips to give them an escape from the bustle of town life at the time.
From these humble beginnings grew a commitment to serving the community. William Alty went on to offer affordable “penny funerals” for residents of the Witton area, using his horse-drawn vehicle to provide dignified funeral services for local families.
As William was exceptionally committed to supporting the local community, he quickly developed a reputation for the funeral service, as the trusted family organisation that you still know today.
“Our roots are local and we’ve helped families in the Chorley area going as far as Belmont.” – Russell Alty
Each Alty after him continued to bring a significant stamp onto their era, whilst always maintaining family culture and tradition at the core of all their services. Wm. Alty & Sons Funeral Services are called upon more than any other directors in the local area. We are the longest running, independent family funeral service in Blackburn and the surrounding areas.
