About us
We are an independent family run business with over 100 years experience in funeral arranging and conducting.
Our experienced, qualified and caring staff can offer knowledge, advice and guidance in all aspects of funeral arrangements. Ensuring you peace of mind at this most difficult time.
The history of Robson & Ellis Funeral Service – Bramley, Leeds
In 1931 Robson & Ellis was formed by David Ellis, David Ellis the younger and Albert Robson. They set up a partnership as Joiners, Cabinet Makers and Funeral Directors as 12a Town Street, Bramley.
David Ellis the younger and Mr Robson traded together until 1948 when Mr Ellis the elder returned from active service. At that stage Mr Robson left the partnership and emigrated to Australia. In 1957, James Ellis joined the business and after his father’s death in 1964, Jim Ellis continued to run the business with his mother. Jim looked after the joinery and funeral side, and his mother continued to run the furniture shop in Town Street, until it was compulsory purchased by the Local Authority.
When Jim Ellis retired in 1995, the business was acquired by the current owners, John and Barbara Tempest who continue the tradition of family ownership and day to day control
Pictures below:
In 1960 Robson & Ellis was well established in the community, at number 12 Lower Town Street, upholsterers and house furnishers.
The single storey building on the right is the workshop premises of Robson & Ellis, joiners, situated at Eightlands Lane.
Our dedicated team are here for you
John Tempest MBIE Dip FD
John began his career in the funeral industry over 45 years ago. He became a fully qualified funeral director with an NAFD diploma in funeral directing and also a fully qualified embalmer with the British Institute of Embalmers. In 1994 John and his wife Barbara Tempest purchased Robson and Ellis funeral service in Bramley, in 1995 established John P Tempest funeral service in Chapel Allerton and in 2002 purchased Percy R Wood funeral service in Hunslet. John has a personal involvement in all funerals that take place. In his spare time he sings with the choir of Leeds Minster.
Barbara Tempest
A former teacher, decided on a career change and joined her husband, John, in the funeral business by becoming joint partners. Barbara’s role covers all aspects of running the businesses and overseeing all the branches are run smoothly and efficiently.
Matthew Tempest
Son of John and Barbara. After working with people with mental health and learning difficulties he returned to the family business in 2008. Matthew’s roles are funeral arranger/director, office administration and other funeral operative duties. In his spare time he sings in a local Methodist choir and performs regularly with Lidos at the Carriageworks Theatre.
Ruth Tempest Dip FD
Daughter of John and Barbara. Officially joined the family business in 2009 having helped out many years before. Ruth’s main role is funeral arranger/director having completed her NAFD diploma in funeral directing, also office administration and other general duties.
Kelly Jackson Dip FD
Kelly started working for the family business in 2002. She followed her father Dennis Jackson who was John’s right hand man from taking on Robson and Ellis in 1994. Kelly’s main role is funeral arranger/director having completed her NAFD diploma in funeral directing, also office administration and other general duties. In her spare time she looks after her horse and likes travelling.
Jayne Saunders
Jayne joined the company in 2004. She started as a receptionist for our Hunslet office. She has lived in Hunslet her whole life and is very popular in the community as she attends the local Parish Church, St John and St Barnabus. Her main duties are to manage the Hunslet office as well as funeral arranger/director, office administrator and other funeral operative duties.