Associates, Chris Scroggs and Jonathan Wilson, with paralegal Jessica Coote, representing staff from 1905, 2005 and 1955, to mark the 100 year anniversary of Wards

In 1905 Norway gained its independence from Sweden, Professor Albert Einstein published his "Special Theory of Relativity" and The Automobile Association was formed. And closer to home, lawyer James Ward founded J W Ward Solicitors in Stapleton and Wine Street, Bristol. At a 100 year anniversary party for clients John Brentnall, highlighted some key aspects of the firm’s history and future.

James Ward’s son, Wray Ward, took over the firm in 1929 and was still at the helm in the late 1960s. Wray was heavily involved in property development and in the 1930s he purchased many farms around Downend and Hanham and developed them into residential estates. This heralded the firm’s move into conveyancing, which remains strong today (we typically handle around 7,000 conveyances each year), although we’ve since added the full range of private client and commercial services. 

War broke out and, unfortunately, the firm’s office War broke out and, unfortunately, the firm’s office in Wine Street was completely destroyed in 1940. For a time the staff worked from one room in Downend, clustered around a table tennis top, until they secured space in Albion Chambers in Small Street, much to everyone’s relief.

After the War, the firm grew rapidly, mainly to keep pace with the housing boom. In 1956, Wards moved to its present office in 52 Broad Street. The building is noted as being of Art Deco interest and the reception and boardroom were used in the 1990s to film several episodes of the BBC costume drama series, ‘House of Elliott’. From the 1960s onwards, Wards merged with many local law firms. Today we have 11 offices, spreading from South Gloucestershire to North Somerset. 

At the 100 year anniversary client party, John Brentnall announced that the firm has created the Wards’ Centenary Fund. He commented: “Our staff succeeded in their aim of raising £5,000 this year from various activities such as quiz nights and ‘silly dress’ days. The partners have matched this, to create an initial £10,000 endowment fund which will be added to over time. We’ll be making donations to local charities on an ongoing basis and, in this way, we’re hoping to put something back into the local community.”