Our very first Walker Foster office dates back to 1919, founded by Arthur Henry Walker and his brother Horace. 

Under the name ‘Arthur H Walker & Co’, the office on Skipton’s High Street quickly became a go-to place for the legal needs of the Skipton community.

Fast-forward 29 years and after a change in ownership and name, new offices have opened in Settle, Bentham – and Barnoldswick.

It was 1948 when the Barnoldswick office was established and for more than seven decades it has been a key part of the local community.

Walker Foster is still prominent in Skipton to this day, but often clients seeking legal support are unaware of the longstanding history of our office in Barnoldswick – or even that it exists!

Despite its age, the office itself has a modern glow thanks to a recent refurbishment which finished earlier this year.

The building has seen the installation of a new roof, external pointing, guttering and windows. But inside is where clients will notice more extravagant changes.

The office has had a full reconfigurement, as well as new walls, ceilings, plumbing, plastering, painting and carpets.

But it’s not just the beautiful new surroundings that attract new clients to us – it’s the approach, dedication and local knowledge of our hardworking team.

Annette Kisby, Conveyancing Assistant at Walker Foster in Barnoldswick, was born in the town and is a proud ‘Barlicker.’

She said:

“I have worked here since March 2002, having my interview with Peter Walker who said he knew our family well and didn’t need to interview me!

“Numerous clients have come into the Office and recognised me or my surname and asked about my parents – and even now I get asked about my siblings.

“In fact, I can honestly say I can remember coming into the Office since I was about 7 and seeing Brian Walker and Mr Kendall.”

The role the Barnoldswick office plays in the local community has been prominent over the years, and still exists to this day.

Only recently, children at Coates Lane Primary School in the town saw their playground ransacked by thieves over the summer and in need of new equipment.

We felt it only necessary that we step in to fund new equipment and ensure the children had a safe place to get muddy and enjoy themselves at break times.

Erika Dale and Anna Robinson from the Walker Foster team went to the school to hand over the cheque.

Marketing Manager Erika said:

“We were joined by lots of very happy children finding worms, making mud potions and offering questionable cups of tea… Hopefully they will have many happy years of den building and digging ahead!”

Conveyancing Solicitor Anna attended school in Barnoldswick having grown up in Kelbrook, and her relationship with the office stems back to her childhood.

She said:

“Both my mum and Annette’s mum worked at the office over the years. I used to visit occasionally when mum worked here – not imagining I would end up working here!

“A few of the client survey forms I have had back recently referred using Walker Foster for years.”

But it’s not just the regularity of the clients that has proved to be one of the strengths of the office.

Keith Hardington, Managing Director at Walker Foster, has been with the firm for 23 years and has fond memories of Brian Walker, the son of founder Arthur.

Our Barnoldswick team, like every other Walker Foster office across the region, continues to offer a friendly, trustworthy service from people that have a knowledge of the local area and the community.

And clients or anyone seeking legal advice will be pleased to know they do not need to travel to Skipton if they need support!

We offer a full range of legal services to Barnoldswick clients, including Residential Conveyancing, Family Law, Wills and Probate, Trusts and Lasting Power of Attorney, Dispute Resolution, Litigation, Commercial and Agricultural Property and Business Sales and Acquisitions.