Saint & Co founded when Queen Victoria was on the throne and a pint of beer cost ha’penny is celebrating a landmark anniversary and is marking 140 years of supporting businesses and individuals across Cumbria and Dumfries and Galloway.
The company, founded in Carlisle in 1884, has grown into one of the county’s leading accountancy firms, with a reputation for quality, honest service.
Managing Partner, Lindsay Farrer, said: “It is hard not to be inspired by the story of our founding partner, John Jackson Saint, who at the age of 20 moved to Carlisle and within three years had opened his accountancy practice.
“His well-documented work ethic was remarkable and we like to think we continue to embody this in everything we do 140 years on.
“With our headquarters just a couple of miles from where it all started, Saint & Co still feels very much connected to its roots, laid all those years ago by a young man with ambition, drive and energy.”
Saint & Co’s history is a story of resilience, innovation, and strong community connections.
Founded at 10 Bank Street in Carlisle by John Jackson Saint, a young and ambitious chartered accountant, the company swiftly became a cornerstone in the city’s financial district.
Saint’s sharp business sense enabled him to take advantage of changing bankruptcy laws, driving rapid growth.
Despite personal challenges, including the loss of a child and raising a disabled daughter, Saint continued to expand his business and influence.
He also became a prominent figure in public life, serving as an alderman and a leading Conservative in Carlisle.
His sons, John Boustead and Roland, inherited not only the business but also their father’s commitment to the community and excellence.
Both were celebrated sportsmen and served with distinction in the First World War, further enhancing the family’s legacy.
After the war, they guided the firm through the economic difficulties of the early 20th century, ensuring its continued success.
The company also navigated the hardships of the Second World War, with its employees and leadership showing remarkable dedication.
Through these trials, J. Jackson Saint & Co. remained a symbol of stability and integrity, deeply rooted in family values and service to the community.
Those values continue to be cornerstones of the modern Saint & Co, which now operates across Cumbria and Dumfries and Galloway, with 109 members of staff across 10 offices being guided by a board of nine partners who have a collective 218 years of service.
The business has continued to support its communities, with annual charity of the year events held to raise much-needed funds for selected organisations.
And in recent years, it has heavily invested in the careers and futures of young people, funding the training of ambitious individuals – very much like the young John Jackson Saint – who wish to achieve chartered accountant status.
To mark their 140th anniversary, Saint and Co will hold a Victorian-themed fancy dress event at which they will be raising money for their chosen charity of the year.
Lindsay said: “Our history and heritage is a daily reminder of the principles this business was founded upon and that we strive to uphold every day.
“Over time, the baton of responsibility has been passed to various people and along with my fellow managing partners, I see working at Saint & Co as a privilege.
“We are looking forward to (whatever the celebration is) and to many more years of successful business.”
Ten facts about life in 1884
- Queen Victoria was 47 years into her 63-year reign
- The Prime Minister was William Gladstone
- Arthur Ransome, the famous children’s author, was born
- The first volume of the Oxford English Dictionary was published
- The NSPCC was founded as the London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
- The Marks & Spencer department store chain started life as Michael Marks’ market stall in Leeds Kirkgate Market, Yorkshire
- The 46th Grand National was won by 10/1 shot Voluptuary
- Women were allowed to play at Wimbledon for the first time and Maud Watson became the first champion
- One could expect to pay £42 per annum to employ two maids
- Meanwhile, a loaf cost about 7 pence, while a pound of butter was around 1 shilling and 6 pence (there were 12 pennies to the shilling)
