Founded

Thomas Knowles, who took over the business of John Townsend, a builder and mason with whom he had been associated with for many years, founded our company in 1797.

Beginnings

The business can be traced to 1672, when John Townsend set up his own account and, before him, to 1604 when there was a complex network of partnerships between a group of stonemasons’ families.

18th Century

In the 18th century the company was a leader in the local industry, working on such prestigious buildings as Blenheim Palace and the Radcliffe Camera.

Twenty-one Oxford colleges

Twenty-one Oxford colleges as well as Abingdon, Henley and Maidenhead bridges were listed in the firm’s ledger of 1797.

Holywell

During the 18th and 19th century, the firm’s yard and works were sited in Holywell, just outside the city wall and consequently not subject to the restrictions of the city or university.

Knowles & Son

In 1816 , Thomas Knowles took his son into partnership and changed the firm’s name to Knowles & Son.

In 1826 he was appointed a matriculated tradesmen to the University of Oxford.

19th century

Through the 19th century Knowles & Son continued to carry out works for old and new customers with the same level of personal attention and excellent craftsmanship.

Generations

The late Guy Knowles and his son, Alan, who is the seventh generation of the family, and moved the office, yard and joiners shop to Osney Mead in 1966.