Tallents Solicitors of Newark and Nottinghamshire – a family history
The present law firm of Tallents Solicitors can trace its roots back 250 years with five generations and many members of the Tallents family working for the firm.
Tallents & Co was founded by Mr Philip Tallents (1741-1789), who was admitted as a solicitor in 1774.
His older son, Mr Samuel Tallents was articled to his father in 1783 and admitted as a solicitor in 1789.
William Edward Tallents, 1780 – 1837
But the firm was really built up by Mr Philip Tallents’ younger son, Mr William Edward Tallents (1780-1837).
Mr Godfrey Tallents (1812-1877) was the son of William Tallents. He trained as a lawyer, working closely with his father. In 1834 was appointed a Master Extraordinary in the Court of Chancery.
We know from the Diaries of Godfrey Tallents that during the period 1829-1839 he was a land agent for both the dukes of Newcastle of Clumber Park and the Sutton family of Kelham Hall and managed their propertied interests.
This activity ensured that the legal firm of Tallents Solicitors played a crucial role in the political affairs of Newark throughout the 19th Century, and the firm held a privileged and trusted place in the management of local aristocratic, gentry and key political affairs.
Godfrey Tallents (1845-1917), painted by Arthur Spooner. Original painting is held in Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery
His sons, William E. Tallents (1842-1918) and Godfrey Tallents (1845-1917), both followed their father, grandfather and great-grandfather in joining Tallents Solicitors.
Later on, Godfrey Tallents’ son, Colonel Hugh Tallents (1885-1978) also joined the firm. He was the last member of the Tallents family to work for the firm, retiring in the 1970s.
Today, Tallents Solicitors is run by several Partners and headed up by a Senior Partner based at the Newark Office.
