History

Usually in business we like to look forward – and as a company we pride ourselves on just that – but on occasion, it’s reassuring to look back.

1869

Our story begins back in 1869 in a small black and white grocery shop in Frankwell, Shrewsbury where an industrious James Kent Morris was to set up his candle business with a robust service philosophy which has stood the test of time: “To do the common thing uncommonly well brings success”.

And it did. Over the years the company developed many trading operations which it helped flourish and on which it capitalised as markets matured, with the family remaining central to the growth and success of each business.

Take a look at our timeline to find out more about our five generations of evolution:

Our Story

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  • 1869

    1869

    James Kent Morris sets up his modest grocery enterprise in Frankwell in Shrewsbury

  • 1869

    1869

    Sarah Morris, first wife of James Kent Morris

  • 1869

    1869

    Opening of the first grocery shop in Frankwell, Shrewsbury

  • 1872

    1872

    The Frankwell shop was extended to incorporate the new Steam Candle Works

  • 1900

    1900

    Morris store and staff pictured at its Wyle Cop store in Shrewsbury

  • 1907

    1907

    Fanny Morris, daughter of J. K. Morris and Mr E. Paterson on their wedding day

  • 1911

    1911

    Deliveries made by horse drawn cart to the Morris Bakery at 19 Frankwell in Shrewsbury

  • 1911

    1911

    James Kent Morris second son of James Kent Morris develops the company’s oil business

  • 1913

    1913

    Proud staff photographed outside the celebrated Morris Café on Pride Hill

  • 1920

    1920

    J. K Morris purchased 1,000,000 gallons of surplus oil from the government, building the oil business

  • 1920

    1920

    Morris outdoor catering at Shrewsbury Floral Fete, later to become Shrewsbury Flower Show

  • 1922

    1922

    The impressive new Morris & Company headquarters is completed in 1922

  • 1927

    1927

    The Morris brothers ‘grand plan’ at 24-26 Pride Hill for the 73ft new store

  • 1931

    1931

    Cliff Morris marries Evelyn Morris, descendant of Henry Morris, James Kent Morris’s son

  • 1934

    1934

    Cliff Morris, father to Bill Morris (Chairman 1984-2009)

  • 1940s

    1940s

    The Morris Home Guard as photographed in 1944 a year before the war ended

  • 1943

    1943

    The Grocery Licence during the war years issued for the Cafe at 25 Pride Hill

  • 1950s

    1950s

    An example of the autumn collection Wetherall brand advertising in Shropshire Magazine

  • 1955

    1955

    Morris’ lingerie shop on Pride Hill fared well throughout the ‘50s

  • 1960

    1960

    Baking loaves at the new Horsefair bakery in Shrewsbury

  • 1962

    1962

    Green shield stamps increased business as the flagship Pride Hill store was converted to self service

  • 1963

    1963

    A liveried van delivery to the busy Pride Hill store

  • 1968

    1968

    The Company launches its new SaveRite supermarket brand

  • 1969

    1969

    The Board including Peter Morris, J.K. Morris’ son (2nd left) and Cliff Morris (2nd right)

  • 1969

    1969

    Morris & Company staff enjoy a Centenary Dinner at the Morris Café on Pride Hill

  • 1972

    1972

    Staff at work on the new bacon production line at Wellington SaveRite

  • 1979

    1979

    An example of Morris Lubricants’ colourful advertising of the day

  • 1989

    1989

    Morris Care launched with the first brick laid at Radbrook Nursing Home

  • 1990

    1990

    Chairman, Bill Morris photographed with his trusty springer spaniels

  • 1991

    1991

    The acquisition of Stanmore Hall in Bridgnorth heralds a new Leisure Division

  • 1994

    1994

    Three generations: Bill’s son Robin who is a Chartered Surveyor joins the family business

  • 1996

    1996

    Robin Morris leads the vision for Victoria Quay with conversion of The Armoury into pub/restaurant

  • 1999

    1999

    The Company joins Mr Cliff to celebrate his 100th birthday with champagne and cake at Welsh Bridge

  • 2000

    2000

    Food division sold to Midcounties Co-operative marking the end of 130 years food retailing

  • 2000

    2000

    Cliff Morris receiving his Legion d’honneur at the age of 101

  • 2000

    2000

    Morris and Company Millennium project – building a pontoon for the River Severn

  • 2001

    2001

    Chris Morris, second son of Bill, joins the Company as Marketing Manager

  • 2004

    2004

    Lubricants & Leisure Divisions now under sole ownership of Paterson Enterprises Limited

  • 2006

    2006

    Morris Site Machinery was founded with the acquisition of ArcGen Limited

  • 2007

    2007

    Morris Care grows with the acquisition of Stretton Hall in All Stretton, Shropshire

  • 2008

    2008

    ArcGen acquires Hilta Pumps to become ArcGen Hilta Limited

  • 2008

    2008

    Morris & Company acquires the Marrington Estate in Chirbury, South Shropshire

  • 2009

    2009

    Celebrating Bill Morris’s 50 years with the company and 25 years as Chairman

  • 2010

    2010

    ArcGen Hilta acquires Sandhurst Manufacturing Company

  • 2012

    2012

    Chris Morris becomes Chief Executive of Morris Site Machinery

  • 2014

    2014

    Morris Joinery workshop, part of Property, branches out to private clients

  • 2016

    2016

    Robin Morris appointed 2016 President of Shrewsbury Horticultural Society

  • 2017

    2017

    The Company’s record international sales are recognised in The Sunday Times Awards

  • 2018

    2018

    Morris Property completes the final phase at its leading trade park, Vanguard

  • 2018

    2018

    Angela Rippon opens Ercall Court, Morris Care’s Specialist Dementia Home in Wellington

  • 2019

    2019

    Morris and Company celebrate its 150th anniversary of trading

  • 2019

    2019

    Robin presents Bill with a silver salver to commemorate his father’s 60th anniversary with the Company

  • 2019

    2019

    The Company celebrates its top 150 ‘stars’ in the celebratory staff awards

  • 2019

    2019

    Summer celebrations at Shrewsbury Flower Show with guest of honour, Mariella Frostrup

  • 2020

    2020

    Morris Care’s live broadcast for the launch of the new Garden Suite at Radbrook Nursing Home

  • 2020

    2020

    Morris Property completes phase 2 of construction at The Tannery site in Shrewsbury

  • 2020

    2020

    £3.5 million redevelopment of Morris Property’s Centurion Park completed

  • 2021

    2021

    Morris Property construction team complete flagship i54 building adjacent to the M54 motorway

  • 2021

    2021

    New holiday rental business Marrington Escapes launches

  • 2022

    2022

    Morris Site Machinery was sold to long standing customer, John F Hunt Group

  • 2022

    2022

    BBC TV broadcasts live from Morris Care’s Isle Court with Anton Du Beke celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee

  • 2023

    2023

    The Morris Care operation was successfully transferred to Welford Healthcare along with 560 care staff

  • 2023

    2023

    Morris Property partners with STFC as the new front of shirt sponsors for the 2023 and 24 seasons

  • 2023

    2023

    Stadium Point site at Oteley Road in Shrewsbury awaits planning