FAQ's & Advice

Find an answer for your query

We welcome enquiries for estimates and advice anytime, we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and pride ourselves as being the only funeral service in Marlborough to staff our office as a minimum 9am-5pm on weekdays throughout the year (excluding public holidays).

We also offer pre-payment funeral plans and a pre-arrangement service ensuring that a person’s wishes are clear and recorded.
When a person dies it is naturally a very upsetting and emotional time. Unfortunately, during this time important decisions need to be made regarding the funeral arrangements.

From the first call to Claridge’s we will take the burden of legalities and formalities away giving you the time to concentrate on the important and personal choices.
If the death is expected and happens at home a Doctor or medical professional must formally confirm this before we are able to take the person into our care. If the person’s doctor’s surgery is open, contact them asking for a Doctor to attend. If the surgery is closed phone 111 where you will be transferred to your local out of hours service.

Once the death has been confirmed we can come when you are ready. If the death occurs at a Care or Nursing Home the staff will take care of this for you.
If the death is sudden or unexpected the Coroner may become involved, this is a formality and nothing to worry about.

The police will usually attend on their behalf, ask relevant questions, ensure that everything is in order and complete all of the necessary documentation.

Once the death has been confirmed the police will arrange for the person who has died to be taken to the nearest main hospital where investigations into the cause of death will be carried out.

When you feel ready you can contact us, we will then liaise with the coroner and hospital and bring the person into our care when given clearance. If you feel ready, funeral arrangements may be made before this happens.
Unlike many funeral directors, we use a modern Mercedes car to collect the person who has died. It has been specially converted for this purpose.

We have specialist equipment to make this process dignified and effortless, the stretcher always has clean linen and a pillow. The car is always kept clean and presentable, it is discreet and tasteful.
At least two of our team will respond at any time of day or night, they will always be smart and ready to help in any way possible. We pride ourselves as being approachable and understanding with a manner that puts others at ease.

We are caring towards the person who has died at all times, we have all lost someone close to us so we know how important this time is. If you would like something done in a certain way or would like us to dress the person before they leave then please just ask.
If the death was expected the GP will complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death which will be available from the surgery once ready.

When you have this you will need to make an appointment with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages within the district in which the death happened, this will need to be done within 5 working days of the death unless there is a delay in receiving the certificate.
Marlborough Library Register Office

The Library, 91 High Street, Marlborough, SN8 1HD

0300 003 4570


Swindon Register Office

Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH

01793 522738


Tidworth Register Office

Memorial Health Centre, St Michael's Avenue, Tidworth, SP9 7EA

0300 003 4570


Wootton Bassett Register Office

The Library, Borough Fields , Wootten Bassett, SN4 7AX

01793 522738


Calne Register Office

The Health Centre, Broken Cross, Calne, SN11 8RN

0300 003 4569


Devizes Registration Office

The Beeches, Bath Road, Devizes, SN10 2AL

0300 003 4569


Salisbury Registration Office

Bourne Hill, Salisbury, SP1 3UZ

0300 003 4570


Chippenham Registration Office

4 Timber Street, Chippenham, SN15 3BZ

0300 003 4569

Let us help you create a fitting tribute for a loved one

Call us on 01672 511 836 or request a callback using the form below

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