Musgrove Willows Coffins

27/08/2025

Paging the Cortege 🌙🎩

In a recent national newspaper article, a well respected London Funeral Director was criticised for paging the cortege (walking in front of the hearse) - it stated he was “showing off and making it all about him!”

This has puzzled us and we wondered if people really know why this is done?

Paging the cortege is a tradition that dates back to the smog filled days of Victorian London. It is not only a deeply respectful act, allowing those on lookers and street users to know what was coming and for them to pay respects to the departed, but it actually had a practical and sometimes more sinister role.

In the smoggy days before well lit roads, the Funeral Director with his cane would be leading the horses through the streets, ensuring safe dignified passage of the cortege and the person who had died. The cane would be there to ward off any unscrupulous persons wanting to cause harm or even rob the funeral party and to feel ahead any obstacles hidden in the smog.

As modern day Funeral Directors, paging is more ceremonial and less about the need for providing safe passage, however it does provide a dignified presence to the preceding, allowing those who wish to know what is coming, allowing them to pause for a respectful moment.

Some Funeral Directors do this with great flair and show, we prefer a quieter dignified acknowledgement of the traditions of yesterday, still wearing the formal Top Hat, but choosing rolled gloves instead of a cane and a more contemporary take on the formal attire.

Of course, any funeral is not about us, or any funeral director, if your family do not want those traditions of paging and Top Hats, just speak to us when arranging the details of the funeral and we will carry out those wishes to the letter.

Remember, a Funeral Director is there solely to facilitate your needs for saying goodbye, it’s never about us and you will never hear us saying, “that’s how it’s done!”

So if you want a nod to tradition and respect then we can do that!

If you want Darth Vader to page the hearse, that’s ok too. Whatever your needs, we will always help you to get it just right, with care, respect and compassion 🌙🎩

22/08/2025

Close ups of the stunning send off for such a special lady.

21/08/2025

Another one of our beautiful coffins.

20/08/2025

15/08/2025

31/07/2025

We are so lucky to have a team that are like family to us and the best of friends as well

Along the way we meet and work alongside so many people from every walk of life who help us to provide our services, people who we meet professionally and those who we work alongside in providing a continuation of our their care.

We are fortunate to call so many friends and today on Friendship Day, we want to say how much we appreciate them all!

The relationships we build in life make us better and stronger to face whatever life brings and we think this is worth shouting about, not just today, but always. 🌙🎩

21/07/2025

Apologies, we are having some issues with the website, emails and phone system, which may take a while to resolve, so please bear with us. We will get back to you as soon as we are able to.
Many thanks.

18/07/2025

As we’ve come to the end of another week, we wanted to reaffirm our commitment to being there for you, should you need to talk with us over the weekend.

We would like to thank those who have chosen us to be their Funeral Director this week, and for those who face the uncertainty of bereavement, we will be there to guide you all the way.

The lovely Katie will be available to take your calls and you can reach us on our usual numbers.

Taunton 01823 530100
Langport 01458 252505
Curry Rivel 01458 259476
🌙🎩

07/07/2025

01/07/2025

01/07/2025

Did You Know…

There are alternative and deeply meaningful ways to honour your loved one on their final journey. One such way is with a Horse & Carriage — a timeless, elegant tribute that reflects dignity, tradition, and respect. This beautiful option offers a peaceful and graceful farewell, often chosen for its symbolic connection to heritage and heartfelt tribute.

‘History Of Horse Drawn Funerals’
Horse drawn funerals and the sound of hooves echoing through the neighbourhood will often carry a certain association. For many, it conjures up images of a Victorian London, and a flamboyant procession that signifies something grand and momentous. But this type of funeral hearse has been a cornerstone in society since the late 1800s. A horse drawn funeral is simply a way to continue a tradition that has been passed on from generation to generation. Many people will recall a memorable farewell for a parent or a grandparent who was carried along familiar streets to their final resting place by a horse drawn hearse. The use of horses for funerals declined during World War One, when the animals were less readily available. Horse-drawn hearses became even less common in the 1930s onwards, once motorised vehicles became normal across the industry.

‘Working With The Best’
At Robson Funeral Services, with over 55 years of experience serving the families of West Somerset, we understand how important it is to honour your loved one with dignity and grace. That’s why we choose to work only with the finest horse-drawn carriage companies in the region. These partnerships reflect our deep commitment to tradition, quality, and care—values that have guided us through generations of funeral arrangements. A horse-drawn hearse adds a timeless and elegant touch to a final farewell, and we ensure every detail is handled with the respect and professionalism your loved one deserves.
Let our experience support you during life’s most difficult moments.