FROM Canterbury to Oxford, to Kimbolton, to ‘the trenches’ – to Higham Ferrers.
The connection? William de Ferrers, created the borough over three quarters of a millennium ago, to promote community and prosperity, at the gates of his castle where settlers had begun to trade.
A hundred or so years later came Henry Chichele (c. 1364 – 12 April 1443) who was born in Higham Ferrers, became Archbishop of Canterbury and founded All Souls College, Oxford. Later, in 1523, the town’s castle, which had fallen into disrepair, was demolished and the stone used to build Kimbolton Castle.
Such history is befitting of the Wilson Browne Solicitors office, set on the picturesque Market Square in Higham Ferrers. The listed building is steeped in history and full of character – an ideal location to meet with specialists who can advise on a multitude of legal issues, whether for individuals or businesses.
The Higham Ferrers office is particularly active in residential conveyancing and has seen an increase in property sales following the recent opening of Rushden Lakes retail park. With more and more families seeking to move to the idyllic location set by the lakes, its wildlife and easy greenway routes making them more accessible than ever.
Many visitors have been clients of the Higham Ferrers office for generations, with their parents and grandparents seeking advice on wills and trusts.
Farming and agriculture still plays a key role in the area, with many agricultural companies choosing Wilson Browne to assist with agricultural property matters, tax and estate planning. In fact, the Higham Ferrers farmers market takes place on the market square once a month.
For the last piece of our puzzle, in terms of recent history, historic WWI documents belonging to T G Tailby were unearthed in the strong room. Tailby, who lived in Stanwick, served in the Canadian Infantry in WWI but unfortunately died just before the end of the war. His family emigrated to Canada shortly after and Partner Nina Wilson thought it befitting to entrust the documents into the safe hands of Stanwick School. The mementoes, which will be 100 years old on 26 September 2018, included the death certificate, the memorial plaque and scroll, as well as a letter from the King himself, George V.
In many ways, the firm and its office are a reflection of the town, with both sharing a considerable history and a varied past with an ample measure of heritage.
Find out more about Wilson Browne Solicitors at www.wilsonbrowne.co.uk or email