R.W. Percival was originally called Webster’s, a firm of joiners and undertakers with their own horse-drawn hearse. In the 1930’s Frank Webster who was the founder’s son, was joined by his brother-in-law Robert Percival. The business then became known as Webster & Percival and then later simply as R.W. Percival.

In 1963 Charlie Belfield joined the firm and eventually became the sole proprietor when Bob retired in 1980. At the time Charlie was well known in the area for breeding shire horses which he successfully exhibited at local shows.

Charlie died suddenly on 31st October 2008 having conducted a funeral earlier that day.

In 2009, Percivals was acquired by the Jepson family, whose experience in funeral directing spans five generations. Initially overseen by Tom Jepson, the business later passed into Harry Jepson’s care in 2018 when Tom became Managing Director, based in Matlock. Harry continues to run Percivals today, building on the family’s long-standing commitment to personal service and the strong relationships he has developed with the local community.