We'll call you back
Hergest and Cavell Funeral Directors will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Hergest and Cavell Funeral Directors 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
Hergest & Cavell Funeral Directors is a family owned and run independent funeral business serving the local communities in and around Gravesend and Dartford. Based at 128B Milton Road, Gravesend, the business is operated by Paula and Peter Hergest and their family team, who bring over 25 years of combined experience in the funeral profession. Paula began her career in funerals in 1995, while Peter has been a Funeral Director for over 20 years, both of them dedicated to providing a bespoke and personal service to every family they serve.
The team at Hergest & Cavell pride themselves on offering quality funerals at affordable prices without restricting the choices families need to make at a difficult time. Their ethos, 'Quality without Compromise', underpins everything they do. They are fully inspected members of the National Association of Funeral Directors and adhere to a strict code of conduct ensuring the highest standards of care.
Available 24 hours a day, every day, the team ensures that an experienced member of staff is always accessible, regardless of day or time. Whether families need guidance on funeral arrangements, pre-paid funeral plans, or memorial masonry, Hergest & Cavell are committed to helping families make informed choices every step of the way, with honesty, sensitivity, and genuine compassion.
"Rachel, in particular, was a shining light—so kind, thoughtful, and full of great suggestions. On the day, the funeral was just perfect—the staff were so compassionate and tuned in to how we were feeling. They truly went the extra mile."
— Debbie Mileham (about Rachel)
"Unfortunately four days beforehand our mother also died. Hergest and Cavell couldn't do enough to help us at this extremely difficult time, and helped us organise a joint funeral. As a family, we can't thank the whole team enough for all their kindness and understanding."
— Norman Silver (about Sharon)
"As soon as I telephoned Sharon at Hergest and Cavell I knew I had made the right choice when she seemed as keen as we were to ensure the families wishes were upheld. It seems strange to recommend a funeral service as it's a service none of us want to use, however if you do I strongly recommend Hergest and Cavell — I for one will never use another."
— June Backhouse (about Sharon)
"The ritual bath was given with so much respect with Peter showing us what needs to be done and being present to support us through this. We felt as if we were their only client and the level of respect and dignity they gave us as a family is remarkable."
— Serena Shergill (about Peter)
"We asked to place a packet of tissues with my grandad (he loved his tissues) and we was given a promise that when they get back, they will place the tissues inside of the coffin right with my grandad."
— Louise French
"What truly stood out was how much it felt like they were walking alongside us, not just as professionals, but as people who genuinely cared. It never felt like a job to them; they treated us like family, offering warmth, patience, and empathy during such a difficult time."
— Raj
Joanne Hergest
Funeral Arranger & Operations Manager
Joanne is the eldest daughter of Peter & Paula and changed her career in special care dentistry at age 30 to join the f…
Joanne Hergest
Funeral Arranger
Joanne is the eldest daughter of Peter and Paula Hergest, who at the age of 30 changed her career in special care denti…
Joanne Hergest
Funeral Arranger
Eldest daughter of Peter and Paula Hergest, who changed her career in special care dentistry to join the family busines…
Paula Hergest
Managing Director
Paula joined the Co-op as a funeral arranger in 1995 and spent over 15 years managing large regions for several funeral…
Paula Hergest
Managing Director
Joined the funeral profession in 1995 and managed large regions for several funeral businesses in the corporate sector …
Paula Hergest
Owner & Managing Director
Paula started as a funeral arranger in 1995 and has a career spanning 35 plus years managing large regions for several …
Peter Hergest
Owner & Funeral Director
"The ritual bath was given with so much respect with Peter showing us what needs to be done and being present to support…"
Peter Hergest
Funeral Director
"The ritual bath was given with so much respect with Peter showing us what needs to be done and being present to support…"
Peter Hergest
Funeral Director
"We felt as if we were their only client and the level of respect and dignity they gave us as a family is remarkable. Th…"
Rachel O'Donoghue
Funeral Arranger
Rachel previously worked in funerals with her aunt Paula in a corporate environment before joining the family business …
Rachel O'Donoghue
Funeral Arranger
Having worked in funerals with her aunt Paula in a corporate environment, Rachel joined the family business in 2022 tak…
Simon Jones
Funeral Director
Simon joined the team in 2026 to help deliver a quality service on the day of the funeral, bringing a wealth of knowled…
Take a moment to reflect on the care you received
Not displayed publicly — used for verification only
This helps other families understand your experience
Share what your experience was like — other families will read this when choosing a funeral director
characters — please write a little more
Your review will appear on this page once verified. This usually takes 1–2 days.
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 01474326400We'll call you back
Hergest and Cavell Funeral Directors will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and Hergest and Cavell Funeral Directors 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 Gravesend, Kent. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family compassionate, professional care when it matters most.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Broadstairs, Kent. All members uphold a strict Code of Practice, giving families peace of mind during one of life's most difficult moments.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Chatham, Kent. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family professional, compassionate care when it matters most.
Serving families in GRAVESEND and the surrounding area
So we can help families like yours better.
Tick all that apply.
Understanding your experience helps us help families like yours.
Your answers help us support families going through this.
You might find our step-by-step guide helpful →
