Pure Cremation vs Bartholomew & Sons Direct Cremation: What’s the Real Difference?
Finding the Right Way to Say Goodbye
When a loved one passes away, the decisions that follow can feel overwhelming, particularly when dealing with the raw pain of grief. You’re looking for an option that is dignified, respectful, and affordable, and for many families, a direct cremation provides exactly that: a simple, unattended cremation that allows you to arrange a private memorial event at a later date, if you so wish.
As you compare providers, you’ve likely come across national companies like Pure Cremation and your local funeral directors, Bartholomew & Sons. While both offer a similar type of service, the way they deliver that service couldn’t be more different.
This guide is designed to offer clarity during this confusing time. We’ll walk you through the real differences between a remote, national service and a local, compassionate approach from an independent family funeral director, so you can choose the path that brings you and your family the most peace of mind.
How is Bartholomew’s Direct Cremation different from Pure Cremation?
Bartholomew & Sons offers a local, personal approach with face-to-face support with the cremation taking place promptly at Rotherham Crematorium for £1,355.
Pure Cremation operates nationally through call centres at £1,495, with the deceased transported long distances with the cremation taking place in Hampshire regardless of where you live.
The main differences lie in the location where the deceased are looked after, where the cremation takes place, face-to-face or remote arrangements, and the level of personal care and compassion given before, during and after the cremation.
| Key Factor | Pure Cremation | Bartholomew & Sons |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,495 | £1,355 |
| Care of the Deceased | In a large mortuary facility in Hampshire | At our local funeral homes in Rotherham or Maltby |
| Location of the Cremation | At a large crematorium facility in Hampshire | Rotherham crematorium |
| Contact for Making Arrangements | Call centre only | Local, face-to-face care and support |
| Timeframe for Cremation | Usually 13–16 days | Prompt, no unnecessary delays |
| Return of Ashes | Delivered by courier | Collected in person from funeral home |
| After Care | None | Access to bereavement support and memorial services. |
What Is a Direct Cremation?
A direct cremation is the simplest form of cremation service. The deceased is collected, cared for, and cremated without a funeral ceremony or mourners present at the crematorium. The ashes are then returned to the family, who can choose to hold a memorial service at a time and place that feels right for them if they so wish.
Many families choose direct cremation because it’s straightforward, affordable, and allows them to say goodbye in their own way, without the formality or expense of a traditional attended funeral.
Pure Cremation vs Bartholomew Direct Cremation: Full Comparison
Below is a comprehensive comparison of what’s included in each service. While both providers offer unattended direct cremation, the differences in care, location, and personal support are significant.
| Service | Pure Cremation | Bartholomew & Sons |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,495 | £1,355 |
| Ceremony | Unattended | Unattended |
| THE CREMATION | ||
| Where will it take place? | A large crematorium facility in Hampshire | Local Rotherham crematorium |
| Will you be told the date and time? | No | Yes |
| Will it take place promptly? | Usually 13–16 days | Yes, without unnecessary delay |
| Can you attend for a short service? | £395 (Hampshire) or £995 (partner crematorium) | £770 (Rotherham crematorium) |
| CARE OF THE DECEASED | ||
| Collection | Private ambulance | Private ambulance |
| When will you collect from home? | Within 5 hours | Within the hour (or when you're ready) |
| Home collection charge? | £255 extra | No extra charge |
| Out-of-hours collection charge? | £255 extra | Standard out-of-hours fee applies |
| Where is the deceased cared for? | Transported to a large mortuary facility in Hampshire | Local funeral home in Rotherham or Maltby |
| Coffin type | Simple solid pine coffin | Simple coffin |
| VISITING THE DECEASED | ||
| Can you visit the deceased? | No | Yes (£200 additional charge) |
| Can the deceased be dressed in their own clothes? | Yes (if posted to Hampshire) | Yes |
| Can you place items in the coffin? | No | Yes |
| Jewellery returned? | Yes, by delivery | Yes, returned personally |
| SUPPORT FOR FAMILY | ||
| Face-to-face contact? | No (call centre, emails, online forms) | Yes, personal support at each step |
| Handle all paperwork? | Yes | Yes |
| Online Funeral Notice included? | No | Yes |
| ASHES | ||
| How are ashes returned? | Delivered by courier | Collected in person from funeral home |
| Garden of Remembrance scattering? | Yes (Hampshire) | Yes (Rotherham Crematorium) |
| Help with ashes memorials? | No | Yes |
| Help with scattering/burying? | No | Yes |
| BEREAVEMENT CARE | ||
| Support for families after the cremation? | No | Yes |
Cost Comparison: What’s Really Included?
Pure Cremation: £1,495, but additional costs include:
- £255 extra for collection of the deceased from home straight away (rather than collecting from hospital, as Pure Cremation will allow the deceased to rest at the local hospital until a convenient collection date can be arranged)
- £255 extra for out-of-hours home collection
- £395 to attend in Hampshire, or £995 at a partner crematorium, plus your own travel costs
Bartholomew & Sons: £1,355
A direct cremation from Bartholomew & Sons service doesn’t just cost less than Pure Cremation, it offers superior local and personal care right from the start.
Our price includes home collection at no extra charge during standard hours, local care at our Rotherham or Maltby funeral home, and face-to-face support for family members throughout the process.
You’ll be informed about the cremation date and time, can collect ashes in person from our funeral home, and we continue to support you after the cremation including helping you access specialist bereavement care, as well as memorial services.
The difference isn’t just price; it’s the personal value and local service included. Bartholomew’s service starts lower and includes elements Pure Cremation charges extra for or doesn’t offer at all.
Local Care vs Call Centres: Why It Matters
What does local care mean?
Choosing a direct cremation shouldn’t mean facing the process of arranging the funeral alone.
When you choose Bartholomew & Sons, you’re working with a local, independent family-owned funeral director who has served South Yorkshire families for generations.
You can visit our funeral home, meet our team, and ask questions in person rather than navigating call centres.
If your loved one needs collecting from home, we’re usually there within the hour, not five hours. Your loved one stays in Rotherham throughout, cared for by the same team from collection through to when you collect the ashes yourself.
You’ll have the option to visit them, dress them in their own clothes, place personal items in the coffin, and receive the support you need every step of the way.
What’s different about Pure Cremation?
Pure Cremation operates through call centres and online forms with no face-to-face meetings. The deceased is transported to their large mortuary and crematorium facilities in Hampshire regardless of where you live in England or Wales, and you won’t be told the date of when the cremation takes place.
There’s no option to visit your loved one or place personal items in the coffin, and ashes are delivered by courier rather than collected in person. Bereavement support isn’t provided after the service, nor memorial services and keepsakes. For some families, this level of simplicity is ideal. For others, the personal and local connection matters deeply during a difficult time.
How to Choose Between Direct Cremation Providers
Consider Pure Cremation if:
- You want a completely remote, hands-off service
- You don’t need to know cremation timing
- You’re comfortable with courier delivery of ashes
- You don’t want personal contact with the funeral team
Consider Bartholomew & Sons if:
- You value face-to-face support
- You want your loved one cared for locally in Rotherham
- You’d like to be informed about cremation timing
- You want options to visit the deceased or place items in the coffin
- You want to collect ashes in person
- You appreciate ongoing bereavement support
- You want help with arranging memorial keepsakes after the cremation
- You’re looking for better value without compromising care
Questions to ask yourself:
- How important is personal contact during this time?
- Would you like to know when the cremation takes place?
- How do you feel about ashes being delivered by courier?
- Would ongoing support after the cremation be helpful?
Why Families Choose A Local Funeral Director, Such As Bartholomew & Sons
Direct cremation is about simplicity, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing compassion or connection at this difficult time.
Many families who consider Pure Cremations after seeing their adverts on the TV, ultimately choose a local funeral director because personal support matters during a difficult time.
Having a local team who you can visit and who instantly recalls your name and the name of your loved one without having to search in a database makes the experience feel less isolating.
Knowing your loved one is cared for and cremated locally, rather than transported hundreds of miles away, also brings peace of mind. And grief doesn’t end when the cremation is over, so access to bereavement support and a familiar face afterwards can be invaluable.
At Bartholomew & Sons, we’ve served Rotherham families for five generations. We’re not a distant call centre, we’re a local, family business that treats every person we care for with utmost dignity, respect, and compassion.
If you’re considering arranging a direct cremation, or a pre-paid direct cremation funeral plan, and would like to discuss your options, please contact our caring team.
Call us: 01709 363 706
Email us: contact@bartholomewandsons.co.uk
Visit us: Bartholomew & Sons, Rotherham – Nightingale House,
Nightingale Court,
Moorgate, Rotherham,
S60 2AB
or
Bartholomew & Sons, Maltby – 1 The Funeral Home, High Street, Maltby, S66 8LH
FAQs
A direct cremation typically includes collection and care of the deceased, completion of the legal paperwork, the cremation, and the return of ashes. A direct cremation with Bartholomew & Sons also provides local care and cremation of the deceased, optional viewing, and personal guidance for families and continued support after the cremation.
Yes. Bartholomew & Sons offer families an Intimate Cremation Service at Rotherham Crematorium for a small number of people to attend. This is an upgrade from our direct cremation service.
Pure Cremation often takes 13–16 days. Bartholomew’s local service is usually completed sooner, as paperwork and scheduling all happen locally.
Because grieving doesn’t end after the cremation. Bartholomew & Sons provide bereavement support, memorial guidance, and a personal connection that continues long after the cremation, that remote providers can’t replicate.
Making the right choice for your family
Choosing how to say goodbye is deeply personal. Whether you value the simplicity of a remote service or the comfort of local care and cremation for the deceased and local face-to-face support for family members, what matters is finding the approach that feels right for you and honours your loved one.
Both Pure Cremation and Bartholomew & Sons offer dignified unattended cremations.
But if you value personal care and local support, Bartholomew & Sons provide a more compassionate and reassuring experience, all for a lower price.
Contact us today to learn more about our direct cremation services.