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History of the firm

The practice was founded in 1866 by William Bryan, within sight of the famous ‘Centre Tree’ on Mansfield’s Westgate. By 1902, Mr Bryan had been joined by Solicitor Frank Armstrong. For two years Bryan and Armstrong flourished with both partners in situ, until William Bryan died in 1904.

Frank Armstrong’s son was fortuitously named Philip Bryan Armstrong and qualified to join the firm in 1931. The practice continued to thrive and in 1977 Bryan and Armstrong refurbished The Old Meeting House on Stockwell Gate. Like its occupiers, The Old Meeting House is firmly rooted in history of Mansfield. Built in 1701, the building was once described as ‘one of the finest treasures Mansfield possesses’ and a ‘forgotten gem’ by the late poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman. Founded by the non-conformist priests seeking refuge in Mansfield, the preserved landmark formed the town’s oldest chapel and the centre for Unitarianism in Nottinghamshire.

The Old Meeting House on Stockwell Gate houses the firms Company law, Civil and Commercial department, Residential and Commercial conveyancing team and Wills, Probate, Employment, Personal injury and Elderly Client services.

In July 1989 Bryan and Armstrong expanded their practice from the oldest office in town to one of the newest at the New Meeting House on Station Street. The firm’s Criminal, Family law and childcare departments are based at this office.