The company was originally in 1868 by George Barlow in Henshaw Street, Oldham near Oldham town centre and market. George was a milliner, dress and mantel maker, tailor and coffin maker- a very busy man. As the business prospered further premises were bought in Union Street West, where there was room for stables, carriages and a joiner’s shop. We became George Barlow and Sons.

Around 1908, Arthur one of George’s sons was the sole proprietor. He and his wife, Hannah, sold the premises in the town and with their family moved to live at 17-19, Union Street West

The advent of motor vehicles arrived and George Barlow and Sons progressed into the charabanc era. A purpose-built garage was bult in 1922 to house the coaches and Arthur’s three sons, William, George and Arthur, all by now full time in the family business, continued the Barlows saga. In 1941 the name changed again. A limited company was formed, the directors being Arthur M Barlow, Hannah E Barlow, William M Barlow, George B Barlow and Arthur Barlow.

The last of the horses went in 1947, which must have been a relief to the staff. The horsekeeper had to be at the stables no later than 5.30am. Commiseration must go to the person who looked after Maggie, who was described as ‘subject to severe and serious complaints of the bowels…must not have hay or dry provender’.

Arthur and Hannah died in the 1950’s. Their sons had their own homes, so it was decided that Barlows would be the first undertakers in Oldham to have Chapels of Rest.

The next generation was coming up. In 1967, David Barlow became involved full time, having been around for ages helping out. His uncle Bill and father (his uncle George had died) were not getting any younger and decisions were needed. Staff needed to be employed as ‘the family’ in the business had deceased.