1890

Alexander Pengilly was admitted as a Solicitor and the story of Pengillys begins.

1891

Alexander Pengilly establishes a law practice in Cornwall also serving as Mayor of Helston between 1898 and 1899.

1903

Alexander Pengilly and his family move to Weymouth for health reasons and form a Law Partnership with Arthur Wentworth Malim known as ‘Malim and Pengilly’ out of 10 St Mary Street.

1905

George Thomas Ridge joins the staff as a Solicitor’s Clerk and begins his career in Law.

Alexander Pengilly Image courtesy of Helston Museum


1907

Alexander Pengilly acquires the firm ‘Stegall, Hooper and Chave’ and enters partnership with Lewis Chave creating ‘Pengilly and Chave Jr.’ and begin practising from 100 St Mary Street. George Ridge becomes articled to Alexander Pengilly.

1921

George Ridge finally completes his studies, having paused his studies to serve in the First World War, and is admitted as a Solicitor.

Mid 20’s

The office of Sir Alexander Pengilly is now too big for 100 St Mary Street and moves to 76 St Thomas Street.

1929

Alexander Pengilly is knighted at St James Palace for his long record of public service and his political activities.

Arthur William Malin Image courtesy of Richard Malim
Taken 1938-9

1938

Peter Prideaux admitted as a Solicitor in 1937 joins the Practice.

1939

The firm becomes ‘Pengilly and Ridge’ as George Ridge is made a partner. Sir Alexander turns 71 and shows no sign of retiring. Peter Vine joins the firm as Articled Clerk, is admitted as a Solicitor in 1947 and thereafter played a leading role in the commercial world of Hong Kong.

1947

Ian Jenkins joins the firm as an Articled Clerk passing his finals in 1949. Pengilly continues his pattern of training and mentoring new Lawyers.

1949

Sir Alexander Pengilly retires and George Ridge acquires his share of the partnership. Meanwhile many other young staff join the firm and develop their careers in house.

1959

Sadly, George Ridge passes away after a long illness, having served in two World Wars.

1965

Sir Alexander Pengilly sadly passes away aged 97, however the firm ‘Pengilly and Ridge’ continues to grow and maintain his spirit of service to the public and in-house mentorship.

1972

Robert Taylor joins the firm due to expansion of legal work and is later joined by Jeremy Lane.

1973

Pengilly & Ridge move their offices to 67 St Thomas Street.

70’s, 80’s & 90’s

Continuing our tradition, more newly appointed solicitors join the firm such as Christopher Lousley, Roger Maxwell, Geoffrey Meakins, Christopher Berry, Timothy Guppy and Michael Edmonds.

2000

Pengilly & Ridge amalgamate with Wickham & Lloyd-Edwards becoming the largest one site law firm in the area.

2005

Pengillys open an office in Challacombe House, Beechwood Square, Poundbury, becoming the first Law Firm to offer legal services from Poundbury.

2011

Pengillys welcome a new Principal in Katherine Ashley who joined the firm as a Junior Receptionist in 1990 and never stopped progressing.

2022

Pengillys welcome a new Principal in Sherry Foot and our Senior Principal, Tim Guppy, hands the reins over to John Walkington.

2024

We bid farewell to Tim Guppy who has retired after 49 years with the firm and welcome a new Principal in Tom Cleall our only dual qualified Solicitor/ Licensed Conveyancer … so far…