As a family run business, with a 120 year history & heritage, we have seen many significant developments that have helped make us one of the UK’s leading gate and fencing manufacturers.
Charltons take great care in the production of a range of and fencing. Using modern technology combined with traditional joinery skills and expertise, all Charltons gates are hand assembled to create beautiful and distinctive gates. It’s hardly surprising that Charltons have supplied the Royal Estates for over 25 years, including Sandringham and Buckingham Palace. We supply various National Trust properties, the National Arboretum at Westonbirt and Longleat Safari Park. Charltons even export container loads of gates to Australia.
1903
Frank Charlton
Frank Charlton established A.J. Charlton & Sons Ltd
in 1903 when he made the decision to diversify from farming to hauling timber. Originally formed to supply timber pit props to the nearby coal mines around Norton Radstock, Charltons used to cut and shape the wood at the family run sawmill before transporting it by horse and cart to the pit head.
1914 – 1923
WW1
During World War 1, Ferdinand Charlton, his brother Edward (and Charlton’s best horses) were called up to fight for King and Country. Thankfully Ferdinand returned safely and purchased a coal business to add to the pit prop work making return trips from the pit heads more profitable. Coal was purchased from the colliery in exchange for timber using a barter system.
1924 – 1950
A.J. Charlton
In 1929, Ferdinand’s second son, Anthony James, later to become Chief Executive of A.J. Charlton & Sons was born. In 1943, A.J. Charlton left Frome School at the age of 14 to work with horses in the woods and deliver coal and timber.
1951 – 1978
Michael, Peter, David and Adrian
A.J. Charlton and his wife Edna had four sons, Michael, Peter, David and Adrian. All four boys eventually became directors of the family business in 1976 when a limited company was formed.
1978
additional sawmill was purchased in Ubley
In 1978 an additional sawmill was purchased in Ubley, but as it was in poor condition it was replaced with a new sawmill. This same year new offices and a workshop were built to expand production of gates and a retail department officially opened to sell Charltons products; timber, gates, flooring and furniture.
1979 – 1998
A.J. Charlton & Sons Ltd increased its fleet of modern lorries
In 1979, A.J. Charlton & Sons Ltd increased its fleet of modern lorries to over 10 vehicles. A Timber Trade Centre based in Radstock was launched in 1985 to supply timbers, mouldings, patio doors, conservatories, joinery, gates, fencing and craft supplies. This created an additional 15 jobs.
1980
Charltons supply Glastonbury
Charltons starts suplying Glastonbury festival with timber for festival furniture and landscape features, and wood chips to help deal with the mud.
1999 – 2000
Top 3
In 1999, A.J. Charlton & Sons Ltd was identified as one of the top three gate companies in Britain and also markets in Belgium, France and Eire. The Sawmills also became the largest hardwood sawmill in the UK. In 2000 A.J. Charlton & Sons Ltd was granted the Royal Warrant for supply of gates and timber to the Royal households.
2000 – 2011
National Trust & Gardeners Word
Charltons are pleased to supply various National Trust properties and the National Arboretum at Westonbirt. Charltons has also supplied the BBC Gardeners World programme with feather edge fencing.
2012
Rebrand
Our new brand is a sign of Charltons being a modern, professional company with a rich history. The tree rings are reflective of the generations of the Charltons family since the birth of the company in 1903 – as new generations join the company rings can be added to depict the continual growth of the company.
2013
Australia
Charltons shipped the first container of gates to Australia. Professional Builder Magazine Top Product Award was awarded for the Charltons Gate Range. Charltons were named Somerset Family Business of the Year.
2014
Top Product Award & Somerset Family Business of the year
Charltons won the Somerset Family Business of the Year and in same year was awarded the Top Product of the Year award by The Professional Builder Magazine.
2015
Buckingham Palace
Charltons won a tender to supply and fit a pair of bespoke Courtyard Gates at Buckingham Palace.
2020
Made Britain & Grown In britain
Charltons became members of Made in Britain and gained Grown in Britain Accreditation
2021
Renewal of RW
Charltons Queen Royal Warrant renewed for a further 5 years.
2022
Solar Power
Charltons invests in a 350 KWp solar panel system producing 35% of the companies energy. A step towards being carbon neutral.