1790 is proving to be quite a year. In the United States, President George Washington delivers his first State of the Union address; across the Channel, France stands on the brink of Revolution; and in Vienna, Mozart’s opera Così fan tutte premieres to the world.
And here in North Shields, history is unfolding too. Local man John Turnbull sets up in business as a furniture maker and undertaker in the ‘Low Town’, near the Fish Quay — laying the foundations for what will become one of North Shields’ oldest and most enduring family firms.
Fast forward 234 years, and E. Turnbull & Son is still going strong — a proud family-run business and a pillar of the North Shields community. As the town marks its 800th anniversary, we caught up with Ben Broadhead, seventh-generation descendant of founder John Turnbull, to talk about the past, present, and future of this remarkable institution.
Tell us a little about the history of Turnbull’s in North Shields.
We started in 1790 on the Fish Quay, later moved up to Bedford Street, and now we’re based on Albion Road. In the early days, we used horses for funeral carriages. During the First World War, those horses were requisitioned by the Army. In 1907, we introduced the first car to North Shields — a very smart Vauxhall Model 719.
We’ve always been there for the town, including during tragic times like the 1941 bombing of Wilkinson’s Lemonade Factory, when 107 people lost their lives in a single night.
What’s the story behind your current premises on Albion Road?
It was actually the Turnbull family home, and the original AGA is still in the basement. Across the road was the garage for the funeral cars — before that, it held the horses and carriages. The stables were upstairs, and horses would climb a ramp to get to the first floor!
Why did you decide to join the family business?
As a kid, I helped with odd jobs, like flower deliveries. But I started my career in marketing at DFDS, down at the ferry port. It wasn’t until three years ago, after my grandfather Jimmy passed away, that I decided to join my mum, Jane, in the family firm. I’m glad I did. I feel proud to walk — quite literally — in their footsteps, leading funeral corteges as they did.
What do you enjoy most about the job?
It’s a privilege to support people during their hardest moments. Funerals are emotional and deeply personal, and if I can help families through that, I feel I’ve done something worthwhile.
You must spend a lot of time thinking about life and death. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
It may sound like a cliché, but be present. Enjoy life. Don’t let it pass you by. We all face challenges, but life is precious and should be lived fully.
Have there been any particularly memorable or unique funerals?
Absolutely. One woman asked for a farm-themed funeral — complete with Old MacDonald’s Farm playing. Two of her children dressed as animals, and our funeral director swapped formal wear for a farmer’s costume. We were happy to make it happen.
Would John Turnbull recognise what the business has become?
I think he’d see the same core values: care, dignity, and service. What’s changed is how personal funerals have become. Families now have more choice, more ways to celebrate a life. I hope he’d be proud to see the Turnbull name still serving North Shields.
How has Turnbull’s supported the local community?
It’s always been part of who we are. My great-grandfather, Jim Turnbull Senior, used to cook for the homeless at Christmas. Today, we sponsor local junior football teams and support Tynemouth Golf Club’s junior section. We also work with the YMCA, funding French and Spanish lessons for children and supporting their community meals.
You must have an incredible archive of local history.
We do — beautiful hand-written ledgers going back generations. One standout is a funeral bill from 1911 for Catherine Pendergast, paid by the US Government because her husband had served in the American Civil War. That record’s also held in the US National Archives.
What do you love about working in North Shields?
The community spirit. There’s a real sense of people pulling together — businesses supporting each other, exciting changes happening in the town centre. It’s great to be part of that.
What do you think of our publication?
Anything that celebrates North Shields is a positive thing. It’s important we focus on all the great stuff happening — and this magazine helps do exactly that.
What would you like to see as part of the North Shields 800 celebrations?
I’d love to see local businesses given the spotlight. There’s so much talent and hard work here — from fishmongers to independent shops — and we should be championing them.
And finally, your favourite place in North Shields?
The Fish Quay, without a doubt. I have so many happy memories of going there with my grandad Jimmy to buy crabs for lunch. It’s still a special place.
As North Shields celebrates 800 years, E. Turnbull & Son reminds us that while times change, the values of care, community, and family legacy endure.
A huge congratulations to Turnbull Funeral Directors – Independent and family run since 1790 , winners of the Positive Impact theme and the first finalist for the North Tyneside Business Awards 2025!
Website: https://eturnbull.co.uk/funeral-directors/
Heart of the Community : North Tyneside Business Forum
