In 1870 a new company, Ratcliffe & Son, Agricultural Engineers, was set up by Edwin
Ratcliffe. It has continued trading to this day, and a family member has been involved
in the business throughout its history. Originally from Bucklebury in Berkshire,
the first forge and foundry were similar in appearance to the one in Malmesbury,
and indeed, the cast-iron windows seen in our foundry were made there. Although the
type of work has inevitably changed over the years, Ratcliffe’s in Malmesbury still
operate with original machinery
and a belt pulley system.
Michael Ratcliffe, the proprietor and a qualified Engineer, is now at the
helm and he has a loyal team in Andrew Redman - Foreman/Engineer and Christine Ratcliffe
- Accounts. The business concentrates largely on Garden Machinery - Sales, Service
and Repairs, and offers a wide range of new and second-hand machines. Ratcliffe’s
also takes pride in its first-class after-sales service.
The Blacksmith’s Forge has recently
been re-opened by Michael, and Artist/Blacksmith Alex Coode produces ironwork there
using traditional methods. Alex is happy to undertake repair work as well as to create
and produce individual designs to a customer’s specifications.
With the wide choice, the long history and also the rarity of seeing excellent work
done using traditional methods and tools, it is well worth making Ratcliffe & Son
your first port of call when requiring garden machinery, spares and repairs, or to
place a specific request with Alex.
We are a small, friendly company, and we look forward to meeting you.