A WEYMOUTH solicitors is celebrating a ‘historic milestone’ of 125 years in business.

Pengillys Solicitors and Mediators has been providing legal services in Dorset since 1891 and staff are delighted to be part of its milestone year.

In 1891 Alexander Pengilly qualified as a solicitor in Truro where he began practising as a solicitor, undertaking civic responsibilities both in Truro and, because he had married a wife who originated from Weymouth, he also started his professional career in Weymouth at the same time.

Mr Pengilly practised from addresses in St Mary Street, including what is now Costa Coffee and New Street.

He eventually set up his own firm to be joined shortly by George Ridge and the partnership of Pengilly and Ridge was established.

Pengilly and Ridge continued to practise at National Provincial Bank Chambers, now Nat West Bank, before moving in 1970 to the current Weymouth office, above the old Post Office, at 67 St Thomas Street.

In 1929 Mr Pengilly was knighted. He died in 1965 when he was aged ninety-seven but had retained an active interest in the firm well into his eighties.

Tim Guppy, now senior partner, joined Pengillys in 1970 and has been associated with the firm for more than 40 years. He recently spoke at one of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce’s monthly business breakfasts.

Although the firm can trace its origins back one hundred and twenty-five years, there have only been twenty-one partners in that time.

Pengillys now have a branch office in Poundbury, and was one of the first businesses to open on the new development.

Matt Rimmer, principal at Pengillys, said: “We are proud to have achieved the historic milestone of 125 years. As a firm we continue to provide high levels of service as traditional high street solicitors established in 1891 but at the same time embracing modern approaches to best serve their clients.”

For more information visit pengillys.co.uk