Charles Read & Daughter is a dedicated Funeral Director in Alton, established by Charles Read at Normandy Street following the closure of H C Patrick in the 1970s. Mr Read, who also served the community as the Mayor of Alton, famously operated the business with a distinctive Austin Vanden Plas hearse. After his passing, the firm was managed by his daughter, Jennie Ward, with the assistance of Keith Cox.
The business eventually joined the Ford Mears group and moved to its current premises in Turk Street, Alton. Today, we continue to uphold the standards set by the Read family, providing a professional and compassionate service to those living in Alton, Four Marks, Farnham, Selborne, Odiham, Bordon, Chawton, and Holybourne.
Integration into the Ford Mears group has provided the branch with enhanced resources and a broader selection of specialist funeral vehicles. This backing ensures we can offer a comprehensive range of service options while staying true to our heritage as a local, family-orientated funeral home. Our team is experienced in arranging services at our nearest facilities, including Basingstoke, Aldershot, and Guildford Crematoria.












