Billinghurst & Sons

History

At Billinghurst & Sons Ltd, we have a family tradition that goes back for seven generations to 1803 when a brick kiln at the top of Kiln Lane, Bourne End, Bucks, was worked by the Billinghurst family, from which the company grew.

We know that in 1803, when the building company was originally founded, the Peninsula Wars began and that James Billinghurst is found on a muster roll, dated 1798, stating that he would be called up to serve and fight should Napoleon invade.

As Bourne End grew the need for houses and offices in the rapidly growing area meant that the family company built many developments in and around Bourne End.

Ambrose Billinghurst had a yard in Wharf Lane which was the old coal yard in the 1800's. His son, Benjamin Burnham Billinghurst, decided to purchase a larger yard, our present site, which is on the corner of Oakfield Road and the Marlow Road. In those early days the transport facilities would have meant a handcart and heavy horses. Today we have a fleet of modern vehicles.

We have been part of local building for well over 200 years. The company is now owned by the seventh generation - Mathew and Paul Billinghurst. Our brother Nick keeps the firm up to date with IT expertise. Mike, our father, has five grandsons and three grand-daughters so far, so we hope to be building for the eighth generation and beyond.

We as a family firm have established a reputation over the years for high quality work, professional standards and the experience to handle every type of scheme from new development through to matching old materials for restoration and extension work on private houses, listed buildings, churches and older properties.

Being part of the local community for so many years, giving us a responsibility to all our clients, new and old and we consider that Trust is an essential part of that two way relationship. Service to that local community has been and remains important to us.

There are families situated in the Thames Valley who have employed two or three different generations of our family to do work for them. We want their children to continue this tradition and employ us with the same confidence and trust.

Keeping pace with modern technology and the requirements of local government means that we have an in-house planning department which provides detailed scale drawings for making planning applications, obtaining building regulations and listed building consents when required, not to mention dealing with the complications of conservation areas. This means that we can see any work through from first contact right through to completion with the minimum necessary inconvenience to our clients. Taking away the worry of building work by taking on and dealing with all aspects.

We currently specialise in home extensions, alterations, refurbishment, maintenance, repairs, and general building work, including all trades, decorating, plumbing, gas work, electrical work etc. In fact, everything to do with your house.

We have been working for many years at Dorney Court and Estate, built approx. 1440, one of the finest Tudor manor houses in Britain, which is open to the public, and a number of local Churches, Listed Buildings and businesses. Also, for the Fishmongers Company of London on their Almshouses in Bray, Jesus Hospital, built in 1672.

We carry out mostly local work and have experienced staff, some of which have been with us for all their working life.

We are members of the Federation of Master Builders and are a Warranted Builder on the Master Bond Warranty Scheme which means we are able to offer a 10 year warranty.

The Health and Safety of all is very important to us and our operatives have been on courses to ensure a good knowledge of the pitfalls.

Family tradition and providing a service for the local community has always been important to us and we have every intention to carry on for another 200 years.