The History Of MCP Solicitors In Kings Lynn, Peterborough, Thetford and Wisbech
1784
The founder of the firm, Charles Metcalfe Senior, appears to have started practicing as a solicitor and attorney-at-law in the High Street at Wisbech in or about 1784, as nearly as can be determined. The first clear evidence of his practice is a Book of Precedents No.2, which bears his signature and is dated 7 June 1787.
1834
Charles Metcalfe Senior had numerous children and his eldest son Charles Metcalfe Junior took over the practice in 1834. Amongst his public appointments was that of Clerk to the Commissioner of Enclosures for Tydd St Giles, Leverington and Outwell. His appointment is recorded in the Book of Proceedings (1841) and other related documents. Charles Metcalfe Senior died in 1871 a wealthy man, leaving behind him several manors and ecclesiastic benefices, a widow, eleven children and legacies of some £20,000 (almost 1.6million by today's standards).
1871
In 1871 The eldest son, Frederick Morehouse Metcalfe, took over the practice. Then in 1877 he built 6 York Row, Wisbech in the same soft sandstone as Inglethorpe Hall where he lived.
1895
Frederick Metcalfe died in about 1895 and was succeeded by Colonel Charles Edward Fraser Copeman CMG, DL, JP, Clerk of the Isle of Ely County Council, Clerk of the Peace, Clerk to the Justices a man of considerable stature.
1922
In 1909 Colonel Copeman advertised for a clerk to assist him and George Pettefar, then a managing clerk at Newark on Trent, applied for the post. He was subsequently admitted as a solicitor and bought the practice in 1922 when Colonel Copeman retired.
George Pettefar was a legend in his lifetime. The celebrated murder acquittal through which he made his name is part of local history. He acquired an unrivalled reputation as an Advocate, well beyond the boundaries of East Anglia, let alone Wisbech.
1945
In approximately 1945 an office was opened in Downham Market.
1946
Georges son, Neil George Pettefar, and his army comrade, Frank Smith were admitted in 1947 and 1946 respectively after completing war service. Neil Pettefar became an equal Partner with his father in the same year.
1951
Frank Smith became a limited Partner when an office was opened in Kings Lynn.
1966
After more than 50 years at Wisbech, George Pettefar suffered a stroke in 1961 and retired formally in 1966. Neil Pettefar then took over as Senior Partner.
1974
A fourth office was opened in Thetford in 1974.
1979
Neil George Pettefar retired marking the end of an era. For the first time in almost 200 years there was no member of either the Metcalfe, Copeman or Pettefar family as a Partner in the firm. The retirement was marked by a dinner, at which the guest of honour was a family friend of the Pettefars - Sir Michael Havers. At the time Sir Michael was the Solicitor-General but shortly after he was promoted to Attorney-General and subsequently Lord Chancellor.
Neil Pettefar was succeeded as Senior Partner by David Garrick Mitchell.
1980
David Garrick Mitchell retired through ill health and was succeeded as Senior Partner by Raymond Bostock.
1984
The first Peterborough office was opened in 1984. In addition, the firm celebrated its 200th anniversary and marked the event with a series of functions including a dinner attended by senior members of the judiciary and other local worthies.
1990
Raymond Bostock retired and was succeeded as Senior Partner by Richard Carlson.
1991
In 1991 it was decided to merge the business of the offices at Downham Market and Kings Lynn, which resulted in the closure of the Downham Market office.
1994
Due to expansion of work, the Wisbech office doubled in size by the acquisition of adjacent property. The enlarged premises were formally opened by the then Attorney-General, Sir Nicholas Lyell.
2002
In July 2002 Richard Carlson, having held the Senior Partner position for 12 years, handed over the reins to David Rutter.
2003
In 2003, due to rapid expansion of business in the Peterborough district, a second office was formally opened by Hugh Duberly CBE, The Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire.
2007
Due to increased business an office extension was opened in Kings Lynn in 2007. This was formally opened by the local member of Parliament, Henry Bellingham.
2008
After six years as Senior Partner and 37 with the firm, David Rutter stepped down as Senior Partner and handed the mantle to Tim Stevenson.
2009
MCP celebrate 225 years in practice. If you wish to read about our "Very Splendid Firm" please click here
