Moore Barlow’s roots stretch back over 225 years to 1797, when a law firm was first established at Brackens in Lymington by John King. At the time, he was one of just five attorneys practising in the area. In 1831, he was joined by Edward Horatio Moore, and the firm became known as King and Moore.
Following John King’s retirement and death in 1837, Edward Moore continued to lead the firm, overseeing significant growth during his 58 years as partner. His legacy ensured that “Moore” remained a consistent feature in the firm’s name through many iterations during the 19th century. In 1883, the firm moved from Brackens to Stanwell House at 15 High Street, Lymington, marking the first of several key moves as the firm expanded.
In 1931, Cecil Herbert Spence Blatch joined the practice. Known as “Purple” to his colleagues, his arrival ushered in a new chapter, and by 1938, he had become the sole partner, giving rise to the name that would become widely recognised in the region: Moore & Blatch.
During the Second World War, Squadron Leader Cecil Blatch temporarily stepped away from legal practice. The firm was kept operational during his absence by managing clerk W. D. Bradshaw. On Blatch’s return, he was joined by Alfred William Cowper, and together they oversaw the establishment of 48 High Street, Lymington as the spiritual home of the firm.
In the decades that followed, Moore & Blatch grew significantly. From a modest team of 11 employees in the early 1950s, the firm expanded to include 10 partners, an accountant, and 87 staff across seven offices by the 1980s. While early expansion may have appeared organic, the firm quickly adopted a more strategic approach to growth, laying the foundations for its long-term success.
The garden at the Lymington office remains a much-loved part of the firm’s heritage, maintained today by the firm’s long-standing gardener Ian Perry, continuing a tradition that has spanned generations.
The firm’s long history includes countless personal stories and local connections—some documented, others passed down through word of mouth. From court sessions followed by pints at The Angel, to tales of Mrs Blatch’s ballet company and the curious origins of Cecil Blatch’s nickname, the culture of the firm has always reflected its deep roots in the community.
Moore Barlow, as it is now known following the merger between Moore Blatch and Barlow Robbins in 2020, is proud of its heritage. With a presence across the South of England and a reputation for providing expert legal services across a wide range of disciplines, the firm continues to build on a legacy that began over two centuries ago.
With thanks to John Towndrow for research in “Moore & Blatch: A Brief History.”
