A Proud History of Legal Excellence
Anderson Rowntree has been part of the fabric of West Sussex for generations, providing the highest quality legal advice and guidance to countless families and individuals.
Our strength, stability and long history is a testament to our enduring success, as our loyal and valued clients seek our support throughout their lives.
Here's the story of how we evolved to where we are today:
1850
The firm's roots can be traced back to Henry Gray Brydone who was a practising solicitor in Petworth.
1880s/Early 1890s
Henry Gray Brydone goes into partnership with John Pitfield, to form Brydone & Pitfield Solicitors, based in Petworth
Late 1890s
The firm moves into Wisteria House, Market Square, Petworth (where we still practice today). The property used to be owned by Mr Yeatman, a tailor - one of three brothers in the trade in the town. The wisteria was planted shortly afterwards
Early 1920s
John Pitfield goes into partnership with Captain Ralph Stuart Oglethorpe to become Pitfield & Oglethorpe Solicitors.
1930s
Electricity is introduced into Wisteria House!
1956
Patrick Anderson joins the firm from Westmoreland and becomes partner alongside Captain Oglethorpe to form Oglethorpe & Anderson Solicitors. Wisteria House is given listed building status.
Captain Oglethorpe dies and Patrick Anderson continues to run the firm as senior partner. Robert Longmore joins the firm.
1960
The Billingshurst office opens (and continues to operate until 2015)
1966
Another name change as the firm is renamed Oglethorpe, Anderson and Longmore.
1969
Patrick Higham joins the firm as a partner.
Robert Longmore becomes a partner and the firm is renamed as Anderson Longmore and Higham. .
1972
The Storrington office opens.
1990
Patrick Anderson and Robert Longmore both retire from the firm. Patrick Higham becomes a senior partner.
2009
Patrick Higham retires from the firm.
2010
The Chichester Office opens.
2012
The firm merges with Midhurst firm, Bevis Rowntree, headed by Clive Rowntree, to form Anderson, Longmore & Higham with Bevis Rowntree.
2014
The firm undertakes a major rebrand programme and becomes Anderson Rowntree Solicitors.
2015
The firm moves to new, larger premises in Chichester and Storrington, following further growth.
