There is a continuous link between Henry Barlow and the firm of Solicitors which is now known as Wrigley Claydon.

Hartley Bateson, the acknowledged historian of Oldham, wrote in 1951

"About the close of the 18th Century, Henry Barlow started to practice as a Solicitor in the newly constructed Yorkshire Street (1795). There were many changes of partner over the next 60 years before Mr.Henry Wrigley joined the firm in 1859.

It was in the 1870's that John Armstrong started his own practice in Oldham, possibly in Clegg Street."

In early 1972, the time was ripe for the two firms, then known as Wrigley Claydon & Co and Armstrong, Whittaker & Ogden, to join forces as Wrigley Claydon and Armstrongs.

In 1995, on our 200th anniversary, the firm's name was shortened to Wrigley Claydon.

Wrigley Claydon had been in practice in Clegg Street in the early years of the 20th Century before moving to Prudential Buildings. Armstrong, Taylor & Whittaker had also practised in Clegg Street before moving to the newly opened Williams Deacons Bank Chambers in 1939. Only Prudential Buildings could offer the accommodation needed for the enlarged firm and the practice continued at that address where we remained until 1999. In March of that year, the firm moved to our present offices at 29/33 Union Street, Oldham.

In the early 1980's, the firm opened a new branch office in Todmorden. After twenty years; this branch office is flourishing and is now the largest practice in Todmorden.

Just because we can trace over 200 years of continuous practice and service to Oldham, does not mean that we can rest on our laurels or expect work to come to us as of right.

We have adapted over the years to the changing times and with the benefit of modern information technology within the office and a commitment to continuous development of our professional skills, we look forward to the next century with great confidence.

Wrigley Claydon were one of the first firms to receive the Legal Aid Board Franchise and we are members of The Law Society Specialist Personal Injury Panel and The Law Society Family Panel. All of us are or have been involved in many activities and interests outside the legal practice. We believe, therefore, that we can offer much to our clients with sound and constructive advice, supported by modern computer systems and a loyal, hard working, and dedicated staff.

Although Wrigley Claydon are the oldest firm of solicitors in Oldham, today's Partners know that they are but trustees of the name for future generations, carrying on the tradition of service and professional practice which their predecessors have done for over two hundred years, but ready, willing and able to practice in the very different world of the 21st Century.