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.