A Family Firm

The firm grew until in 1914 the offices on the corner of Billet Street and East Street became too small and A C acquired Stafford Lodge – later to become Stafford House - on Billetfield.

In 1925 Arthur Gridley Browne (who had qualified with the firm) became A C's first partner. A C's sons Horace and Edgar became partners in 1928 and 1933 respectively.

Horace remained a partner until shortly after the Labour government which came to power in 1965 introduced corporation tax and capital gains tax, averring that he would not contemplate learning about these "new fangled taxes".

Edgar was a director of Stansells, White Brothers and chairman of the Castle Hotel. He retired in 1970.

For a short time between 1912 and 1916 there was a London office at 46 (and subsequently 29) Memorial Gardens, EC.

Things were very different for trainees in those days. When Peter Shapland, who became a partner in 1955, joined the firm in 1939 his parents had to pay a premium of £5 and 5 shillings for the privilege. In return he received a salary of £10 a year.