About Us
A E Smith & Son is a long established law firm with a presence in Nailsworth dating back to 1835. William was the founding partner of the firm. The finely carved stone Smith Memorial Fountain, now in Old Market, was commissioned after the sudden death of William Smith, erected in 1862 and has the inscription "William Smith was an upright lawyer, a peace maker, an affectionate relative, a friend to all". The fountain recognised the work of William Smith "for securing for the village an abundant supply of pure water" and other civic work. His brother George worked with him in offices at High Beeches.
Alfred Smith, nephew of William and George, became a partner in the firm and it was when his son Geoffrey joined that the firm became A E Smith & Son.
Stokescroft became the home of the firm in 1973 following extensive renovation works. Before Stokescroft the offices had been in the building now named Smith House at the bottom of the 'W' on George Street, and prior to that at HIgh Beeches.
For over 60 years Bert Russell worked for the firm as clerk to Geoffrey Pavey-Smith who was the last Partner of the firm descended from the original family. Bert was Rationing Officer for Nailsworth during the war and had a fine voice. From time to time he was called upon to sing at tea parties given by the wife of A E Smith.
A E Smith and Son have had offices in Gloucester, Swindon and Thornbury over the years.
The Stroud office at Frome House opened in 1978 having previously been at Imperial House.
Stokescroft
Stokescroft is part of the original settlement at Upper Nailsworth and is described in British History 0n-line as a gabled, early 18th century fronted house probably incorporating a smaller 17th century house. Stokescroft was one of just 60 houses recorded in Nailsworth in 1712. The house has 3 storeys, three attic gables with small oval windows and notably a fine shell hood on brackets over the main studded door. Inside there is an original staircase and some original panelling in other rooms.
Stokescroft is in Cossack Square, named after Russian prisoners were imprisoned in Stokescroft following the Crimean War. Graffitti, uncovered during the 1970s renovation work, dates back to 1812 and 1815 when local troops were billeted in the building then known as 'the barracks'.
Frome House
Frome House is a late 18th century 2 storey stone building with noted ironwork balconies and railings. The building, previously well known as a coal merchants, was completely renovated by the firm prior to opening as our new Stroud office in 1978.
