History
Roots
Ford & Warren's roots go all the way back to 1816 when Richard Payne set up in business by himself. In 1826, Edwin Eddison joined Richard Payne and the firm became Payne & Eddison.
In 1837, Robert Lawson Ford joined the firm and the name changed again, this time, to Payne Eddison & Ford. William North had joined the company and in 1850, it changed yet again, this time to Payne Eddison, Ford & North. Four years later, William North left the firm, setting up in practice with his son. The name changed again, reverting back to Payne Eddison & Ford.
By this time, the firm was in business at 57-71 Albion Street (now demolished) and in 1865 the premises were sold to The Bank of Leeds. Edwin Eddison died in January 1867 and his son, Frederick was brought into partnership. The name changed again, to Payne Ford & Eddison, same names, but in a different order.
On 2nd December 1870, our founder, Richard Payne died at his home in Roundhay. In 1871, John Rawlinson Ford, son of Robert Lawson Ford, became a Partner. We then became Ford, Eddison & Ford.
On 1 July 1875, Frederick Eddison left the firm and we became Ford & Son.
The Bank of Leeds went into liquidation in 1878 and the Albion Street premises were sold to The National Provincial Bank. The then partners, bought the premises from the bank very soon afterward.
Robert Lawson Ford died in April 1878 and his son, John, took William Warren into partnership. William Warren had served his articles at the firm under the guidance of Robert Ford and on 1st April 1878, we became Ford & Warren.
130 years of Ford & Warren
In 1901 the son of William Warren, Charles Warren entered into the partnership.
Gervaise Lawson Ford, was the son of Thomas Benjamin Ford, the brother of John Rawlinson Ford. Gervaise was articled to his uncle and admitted as a solicitor in 1907. In 1911, Gervaise became a partner.
On 1 July 1912 William Warren retired from the firm. William enjoyed his retirement for 11 years until he died on 4 March 1923.
On 1st January 1927, John Rawlinson Ford retired from the firm after serving 56 years as a partner. He is the longest serving partner to date.
By 1934 it really was the end of an era, Charles Warren was the last Warren to work at the firm. Charles died on 24 January that year.
Gervaise Ford worked until he was 80 years old and remained a partner up to his death on 11 July 1963. He was the last of the Ford's.
By the late 1960's the company moved from Albion Street to Devereux House on East Parade (now demolished). By 1976 the company moved to 5 Park Square, a Georgian building which had recently been refurbished and suited the requirements of the firm at that time.
In August 1989 we moved to our current home at Westgate Point. We originally occupied floors 6 & 7, sharing the building with other companies. In 1992 we took floor 2 and in 1997 we took over floor 1.
Early 2001 saw Ford & Warren take over the entire building and by 2005
we had our name in lights on both sides of Westgate Point.
Distinguished former partners
Lord Kaberry of Adel
Joseph Rowntree Naish
Alan James Kerry
Shirley Mather Schofield
Neville Thomas Whittle
