About Us
Ottaways Solicitors is part of the fabric of St. Albans life and has been meeting the needs of local people, businesses and organisations for over 100 years.
We can help by offering:
- Timely and practical solutions to problems.
- A professional friendly service.
- Competitive pricing.
- Specialist knowledge on a wide range of issues.
A Brief History
Thomas Ottaway 1871 - 1940
Founded in 1905 by Thomas Ottaway the firm has always been located in St Albans. Initially working from offices at the rear of The Mansion in St Peter's Street before moving to chambers over the Midland Bank in Chequer Street, returning to the Mansion in 1928, the building having been purchased by Thomas Ottaway in 1914. The firm has operated from these premises ever since, although it no longer owns the freehold.
Like the Mansion, whose roots go back to the 15th century, Ottaways has become part of the fabric of St Albans. Thomas Ottaway was a prominent citizen of St Albans reflecting the growing importance of the firm and recognised by the fact he was Mayor in 1921 and coroner from 1922 until his death in 1940.
John Ottaway succeeded his father as senior partner in 1940 having joined the firm in 1931. However he was unable to take up the reins until 1945 when he returned from distinguished war service in the Western Desert and the Far East. Under his stewardship the firm retained its importance in the City and like his father he was elected Mayor, in 1955, and was also coroner and superintendent registrar. He retired in 1970 and died in 1989 aged 80.
During the last 35 years the firm has continued to go from strength to strength under the guidance of the senior partners and in September 1990 merged with another well known St Albans practice Murgatroyds. This firm had been founded in 1964 by another prominent St Albans citizen William Murgatroyd.
In 2003 the firm acquired additional premises at 8 Spencer Street from where its successful Private Client Department now operates.
Ottaways will continue to be part of the community meeting the needs of both business and personal clients in a professional, efficient, friendly, timely and cost effective way.