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See the full checklistLeave your number and R Gwinnell and Sons will call you back.
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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
R. Gwinnell & Sons is a family-run funeral director serving families across Essex and Suffolk. The Clacton-on-Sea branch is part of a wider network of funeral homes established in 1986 by Roy and Christine Gwinnell, with the aim of providing a caring and supportive service to families during their most difficult times. Their eldest son Matt joined the business in 2002, having grown up watching his father care for local families, and the business has grown steadily since opening its first funeral home in Manningtree.
The Clacton-on-Sea branch can be reached at 01255 815600 and is available 24 hours a day. As members of both the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM), R. Gwinnell & Sons takes great pride in delivering a quality, professional service. Roy Gwinnell holds the Diploma in Funeral Directing and is a member of the British Institute of Funeral Directors.
In addition to funeral arrangements, the team offers a range of services including coffins, caskets and urns, headstones and monuments, hearses and limousines, and pre-paid funeral plans. The Clacton branch has also been recognised locally, having been thanked by the R.A.F.A. Clacton Branch for their support at the Battle of Britain Memorial services.
"It was very daunting because I had never organised a funeral before and the people at Gwinnells guided me expertly through the process, easing the stress for our family during a heart wrenching and difficult time."
— Sam Valkyrie (about Gerry)
"They dealt with the upmost respect and sensitivity. The staff were 100% professional and committed. In such a difficult occasion as a family we would like to thank Gwinnells for all their support."
— john daly
"Your care, professionalism and understanding will never be forgotten."
— Sharon King
"Nothing was too much trouble, they went above & beyond to get everything we wanted. I've already told my family that I want them to take care of me when it's my turn!"
— Elaine Wells
"They were patient, professional and compassionate and their help and advice eased the stress for our family during a heart wrenching and difficult time. Nothing was too much trouble for them and the funeral service was perfect."
— Sam Valkyrie (about Gerry)
"Jo & Jerry have been absolutely wonderful, they go above and beyond to guide you in a very emotional time. Their professionalism and dedication to their jobs is something I will simply never forget."
— rhys peck (about Jo & Jerry)
Matt Gwinnell
Director
Matt joined the family business in 2002, having grown up observing how his father cared for families during difficult t…
Roy Gwinnell
Co-founder / Funeral Director
Roy co-founded R. Gwinnell & Sons in 1986 and holds the Diploma in Funeral Directing. He is a member of the British Ins…
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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 01255815600We'll call you back
R Gwinnell and Sons will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and R Gwinnell and Sons 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
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