| History
It was in 1868 that Mr. Melchizedick James, a
Cornishman by birth, married a French Lady in Guernsey and
in the same year moved to Poole, where he purchased No. 60
Denmark Road from a stonemason for £190, the property being
leasehold and enjoying a Ground Rent of £2.50 p.a.
He was described as a bookseller, but in 1873
he decided to set up in business as an Estate Agent with his
sons in both Bournemouth and Poole. In 1900 the firm opened
a third office in Parkstone and in 1908 a fourth office in
Southbourne.
 Several more offices were to open, but only
to be closed due to staffing problems during the Second
World War, until only the Poole Hill office remained.
Tragically Mr.F.C.James was killed by enemy action along
with the founders first son, Mr.J.B.James.
In 1945 two new partners joined the firm,
Mr.Dancy a Chartered Surveyor and Miss Bond, the firms
Accountant. In 1951 Mr.R.C.James retired and Mr.W.J.Trim
became a partner. In 1961 Mr.J.D.Wright became a partner and
the Parkstone office was re-established.
Various partners joined the firm in
subsequent years, until in 1987 the Eight offices were
acquired by The Halifax Building Society.
The commercial property department was re-acquired in 1992
from The Halifax Building Society by former partner Mr R A
Lees FRICS MCIArb (who had been a partner for 18 years in
James and Sons) and Mr S J Walsham BSc FRICS ACI Arb who had
been with the firm since 1985. The original James & Sons
name and tradition was re-established. Mr Lees retired in
July 2001 and Simon Robertshaw and John Smith BSc FRICS
CChem MRSC FNAEA joined Mr Walsham as partners with the
opening of a second James and Sons office at 277 Ashley
Road, Parkstone, Poole BH14 9DS.
We are currently working on an expanded history of the
firm and are working through the records we have but would
be pleased to hear from anybody who may be able to help us
with pictures or anecdotes. Please contact Simon
Robertshaw or e-mail
spr@jamesandsons.co.uk |
