James Marriott and Sons
of Witney, blanket makers
John Marriott (born 1708) was so successful in the family woollen business that he became known locally as the "Great Blanket Maker"
1766 James was elected Master of the Company of Blanket Weavers.
By the early 19th century the Marriott family's only connection with blanket manufacturing was in dyeing, their other occupations being coal merchants and farmers.
As the major manufacturers took more business in-house, however, the Marriotts ceased even to be dyers during the second half of the 19th century.
1897 James Marriott (d.1904) decided to re-enter the blanket business and began to build the Mount Mill which was completed in 1901.
James's 4 sons succeeded him in the business
By 1909 James Marriott and Sons had became a private limited company.
1948 Marriott's became a public limited company.
1960 Early's of Witney merged with James Marriott and Sons, another blanket-maker, to form a new company Charles Early and Marriott (Witney).
1963 Courtaulds Ltd acquired a large shareholding in the business, which brought new ideas and technology to the industry, especially the use of artificial fibres.
1981 The company changed its name to Early's of Witney.
1980s Company went into receivership.
See Also
Sources of Information
- [1] Witney Blankets