More than one hundred and twenty five years have elapsed since the founding of this family business, which is now operated by members of the fourth generation.

H.M. James and Sons Ltd. has evolved from a business created in 1880 by Hezekiah Morris James (1847-1922). Acquisition of a "green field site" at the commencement of the Century enabled the construction of a forge and ancillary buildings known as the 'Manor Park Works', opposite The Three Rabbits, a centuries old stage point on the route into London from Essex.

The style of the business at this time was "Stove and Range Manufacturer" reflecting the vast demands for cast iron grates and kitchen ranges in Victorian housing expansions. This remained a major element of trade up to the Second World War.

The four sons of H.M. James who grew up in the business inherited it as a partnership following their father's death in 1922. Reconstruction and enlargement of the premises followed the Second World War.

By the early post war period the Company had spread its trading base to cover a very wide range of building products, but growing demands upon the Company's capacity resulted in specialisation with sanitaryware products.