AT least nine monarchs have reigned over Britain since a Northwich business was first established.

Chambers Fletcher solicitors practice dates back to the early 1700s, making it the oldest business in Northwich and one of the oldest legal practices in Cheshire.

From old records deposited at Cheshire Records Office is is possible to trace the origins of the practice back to Barker, Chantler and Brayne, who were leading attorneys in the town in the early 18th century.

The firm moved into a building in a road called Brine Sheath Row, which eventually became Winnnington Street, in 1772.

It stayed at 16 Winnington Street, which was originally a gentleman's residence for leading salt proprietor Thomas Marshall, until Chambers and Co amalgamated with 1860s practice A and JE Fletcher in 1994 and moved next-door-but-one to 20 Winnington Street, where it remains today.

Martin Weston, senior partner at Chambers Fletcher, joined the firm in 1980 and vividly remembers 16 Winnington Street, which was demolished around 15 years ago.

"The building was rocked with subsidence," Martin said.

"It was like something from 'Alice in Wonderland', even when we had new floors put in.

"It was a wonderful building."

It was in the attics of 16 Winnington Street that the firm's history was revealed.

Martin said: "Historians Colin Lynch and Geoff Buchan found, in our attics, the original act of Parliament that created the Cheshire Regiment.

"That's when we knew the firm was very old.

"Some of the documents they gave me were from the 1690s and one from the 1640s.

"That gives you an indication of the history – the firm had a document that was signed and perfectly legible from the reign of King Charles I."

The type of work carried out by the firm has changed considerably through the centuries.

"I can tell from the documents I've got that a lot of it was to do with property," Martin said.

"A lot of modern day law didn't exist then – what legal rights did the average citizen have?

"There was criminal law to a minimal degree but no family law or consumer law."

He added: "We feel very proud of our history.

"My feeling is that you want to keep the business going and being successful because you owe that to all the people and partners that have been here before.

"It's more than just a business, there's a great sense of history and commitment."