Historian uncovers Redmayne Bentley’s past

A Leeds-based financial services firm has brought its 150-year history to life after commissioning research into its archive to mark its milestone anniversary.

Redmayne Bentley enlisted local historian Clifford Stead to explore documents, artefacts and records dating back to 1875, when the investment management, financial planning and stockbroking business was founded.

The extensive archive includes ledgers, handwritten letters, photographs and artefacts that provide a rare insight into the firm’s early operations and the life of its founder, John Redmayne, who began the business as a one-man enterprise in Leeds.

Clifford’s research has helped reveal more about the investments made during the company’s early years and the wider development of Leeds’ financial sector.

Items uncovered include John Redmayne’s first ledger, his personal strongbox, pictured below, used to store business documents and historic material linked to the Leeds Stock Exchange, including rules signed by its original members in 1844.

Clifford said: “The sense that you get from the archive, is that John Redmayne was a visionary.

“I think of him as being a 21st century man living in the 1890s, in the sense that he’s investing in what was the new technology of the time. 

“So, he’s making investments in things like electricity and utility companies, ready-to-wear clothing and in tram networks in cities across the UK, including Leeds, which had the first trams in the country powered by overhead electricity cables.

“I’ve not come across another archive like this, where you have got such a personal, in-depth reflection of life and story of what he is doing in this particular industry. 

“It’s a really special archive and I’ve loved finding out more about John and the lasting impact of investors who help to support new ideas and innovation.”

Today, Redmayne Bentley has grown from its Leeds origins to operate more than 25 offices nationwide.

Phil Armitage, partner at Redmayne Bentley, added: “We have now been in business for 150 years and it seemed an appropriate time to look at our archive in more detail.

“Clifford has really helped us learn a lot more about our founder, his life and our industry. 

“I, for one, didn’t appreciate he was such a global businessman, travelling to countries including Canada to seek investments in sectors such as railways and utility companies. 

“It’s fascinating to learn more about his determination to offer his clients such a personal service, as this continues to be the foundation of our business today.

“The findings will help us ensure our proud past helps us shape an exciting future, focused on continued growth and development.”

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