Sound judgement
Advice is grounded in legal expertise, careful preparation and a clear view of the decision in front of you.
Established judgement.
Advice for today.
Heritage traced to 1779. Experienced legal advice for life and business today.
1779
The earliest year identified in our heritage research.
Our story
Heritage matters when it still improves the service today.
The names above the door have changed over time. Our story brings together generations of legal practice in Rugeley and the later amalgamation that created Gardner Champion.
Today our teams combine experienced judgement with clearer processes, more convenient ways to communicate and practical tools that help clients understand what happens next.
Our story, through the years
From our earliest roots
to the firm we are today.
A Rugeley story of people, partnerships and changing names, with a heritage traced to 1779.
1779–1832
The earliest roots
1779
Hicken & Weston
Research traces our earliest roots to a partnership between solicitors John Hicken and Ralph Weston.
1794
A partnership ends
The Hicken–Weston partnership is reported to end following Ralph Weston’s death.
1804
Walter Landor joins
Walter Landor is reported to enter partnership with John Hicken.
1832
A court appointment
Walter Landor is appointed solicitor to the Court of Bankruptcy.
1846–1880
The Gardner name
1846
An early connection
Walter Landor and James Gardner are recorded witnessing the same deed.
1860s–1870s
Landor, Gardner & Landor
The Rugeley practice operates under the Landor, Gardner & Landor name.
By 1880
Gardner & Sons
James Gardner and his sons Herbert Wilson and James William are listed at Crossley Stone, Rugeley.
1948 onwards
Two practices, one name
June 1948
The Railton chapter
Norman Leonard Thomas Railton acquires Gardner & Sons.
Later · date unconfirmed
Gardner Railton & Co.
The practice becomes Gardner Railton, and later Gardner Railton & Co.
1970s · reported
Champions is founded
Champions is established as a separate solicitors’ practice.
Merger · date unconfirmed
Gardner Champion is formed
Gardner Railton & Co. and Champions amalgamate to create Gardner Champion.
2011–today
The practice today
23 March 2011
The present company
Gardner Champion Solicitors Ltd is incorporated in England and Wales.
1 November 2011
SRA recognition
The company becomes an SRA-recognised body, number 558945.
Today
Local roots. Nationwide service.
From Rugeley and Dewsbury, our team supports clients across England and Wales.
Over the years · move date unconfirmed
A home at Brook House
The practice moves to Brook House, which remains our Rugeley home today.
How we work
Clear principles for every matter.
Clear communication
We explain the options, likely costs and next steps in language that is easy to act on.
Responsible service
Professional safeguards, honest advice and careful handling protect the trust clients place in us.
Useful progress
Modern tools support the relationship with your legal team and make routine steps feel more organised.
A modern legal practice
Experienced people, clearer ways to work together.
Technology should make legal work easier to follow without putting distance between you and the person responsible for your advice.
- Solicitor-led teams across property, family, private client, disputes, employment and business law.
- Clear pricing and scope wherever the nature of the work allows it.
- Support by phone, email, video call and in person across England and Wales.
Authorised, regulated and quality accredited.
Gardner Champion Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and holds Lexcel and CQS quality accreditation.
Your next step
Put long-standing legal judgement to work on your matter.
Tell us what you need help with and we will connect you with the right solicitor-led team.