"Maintaining a tradition which was started by a blacksmith" |
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In 1830 William IV was King when 19 year old George Brown moved the eight miles from Houghton Regis to Leighton Buzzard to start business as a blacksmith.
Why George made the move nobody knows but this decision led to the foundation of a business that has been an important part of Leighton Buzzard's commercial scene for over 170 years. | |
In 1841 George bought the tenancy of the forge in which he carried out his trade, along with the adjoining one, and he was soon joined by his son William in manufacturing the edge tools for which they became famous and, by the second half of the 19th century, they installed steam driven machinery. They were soon selling farm machinery within a 20 mile radius travelling each week to Aylesbury market.
Early in the 20th century the next generation of Brown's joined the company when William's eldest son Ernest enlisted. He invented a number of new agricultural implements and started to bring a semi-mass production system into their manufacture. After the First World War the company started selling some of the early tractor models eventually becoming an agent for Austin tractors. |
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In the years following the Second World War the fourth generation of Browns were at work with Ernest's sons Alan, Bernard and Bob joining the ranks.
Branches were now opened at Aylesbury, Buckingham and Chesham and these were combined with the newly won Massey Ferguson dealership. This also coincided with an increase in the manufacturing side of the business. |
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The latest generation of Browns is now led by managing director Christopher, along with director Andrew and Richard, who runs a farm near Winslow.
And, after all of those 16 decades, the company retains its pride in the achievements and the man who started it all with his blacksmiths anvil and whose name is still remembered every day in the name of the holding company - George Brown's Implements Ltd. |
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