Explore the Family Tree
Trace our lineage through the generations.
View Full Tree →With a legacy stretching back nearly 200 years, Hetts Solicitors is a cornerstone of the legal profession in North Lincolnshire. Our story is one of family, community service, and legal expertise.
2026
Historic 1960's
Slide to see how Wells Street has changed over the century.
The Foundations in Brigg (1828–1840)
The firm's foundations were laid in the market town of Brigg during the early 19th century. John Hett (1803–1878) arrived in Brigg around 1828 to serve as a managing clerk for John Nicholson. This professional relationship was cemented in 1832 when Hett was taken into partnership.
In 1833, John Hett married Nicholson's daughter, Louisa. Following John Nicholson's sudden death in 1840, John Hett succeeded him as the head of the firm. He became a vital figure in local life, balancing legal practice with significant public roles, including Clerk to the Poor Law Guardians.
Hett Family Chronicles
Read the full history and personal stories of the Hett lineage.
Read the Book →
Expansion and the Industrial Transition
20th April 1928 - Firm Photograph
(Click to enlarge)
Top Row (Left to Right)
C.W. Taylor, R.I. Etty, T. Morgan, G.W. Spriggs, H. Sumpter, J.A. Chatterton, G.W. Smith, N. Roberts, R. Snell
Middle Row (Left to Right)
C.W. Dixon, R.F. Grassby, E.G. Begg, W.T. Rowley, Miss R. Morley, C.W. Cray, H. Kenning, Miss E. Hollingsworth, W.H. Tomblin, J.W. Cowling, W.O. Harrick
Bottom Row (Left to Right)
G.B. Hett, G.E. Davy, H.M. Hett, C.H. Frow, A.A.F. Stubbs
This remarkable photograph captures the dedicated team at Hetts Solicitors in April 1928 — a testament to the firm's long-standing tradition of loyalty and service, with many staff serving for decades (as seen in our timeline with figures like Mr Cray and Mr Kenning).
As the iron ore industry began to transform North Lincolnshire, the firm adapted. Between 1870 and 1880, the firm officially transferred its branch office from Winterton to Scunthorpe. During this era, the practice operated under titles such as Nicholson, Hett and Freer and later Hett, Freer and Hett.
By the early 20th century, the firm was operating as Hett, Davy & Stubbs from its historic premises at 11 Wells Street. The office hours in those days were significantly longer, often requiring staff to return on Saturday evenings to finalise the week's business.
The Legacy of Jack Hett
Jack Hett
(Click to enlarge)
A significant figure in the firm's lineage was Jack Hett, the son of Roslin Hett. Though he initially explored other paths, at one point causing consternation by "chucking the law" while in London, Jack eventually returned to the legal profession and the family firm in Brigg. His return followed a tradition of service that spanned three generations, and he was eventually welcomed back to the office to occupy an honorable position in the legal world.
His life was marked by incredible resilience and dedicated service; during the First World War, he served with distinction and was mentioned in despatches. Despite suffering a near-fatal aviation accident early in his training, he insisted on returning to the forefront of the battle with his friends. His story is remembered by the family as a beautiful epic of goodness and chivalry.
The "Great Smash" of 1916
In May 1916, while training with the Royal Flying Corps, Jack suffered a terrible aviation accident. Despite a broken jaw, concussion, and the loss of several teeth, he rallied and returned to duty after three months of leave.
Prisoner of War (1918)
During the heavy German offensive in March 1918, Jack was reported missing. After eight weeks of desperate anxiety for his family, news arrived that he was a prisoner of war at Kastatt in Bavaria.
Family & Personality
Even during his recovery from wounds, he was known for his "cheery conversation". He eventually settled back into the Brigg practice, fulfilling his Uncle Frank's hope that he would maintain the family's high legal standards.
Hett, Stubbs & Kemp and Modern History
In the mid-20th century, the partnership evolved into Hett, Stubbs & Kemp. This era is notable for the firm’s involvement in the 1979 landmark High Court case Midland Bank Trust Co Ltd v Hett, Stubbs & Kemp.
The firm was steered during this time by Eric Kemp (1925–1994). Born in Scunthorpe and educated at Doncaster Road School, Eric Kemp joined the firm in the 1950s and became a respected legal figure in the region until his passing in June 1994. Under his guidance, the firm maintained its reputation for rigorous legal standards.
Hetts Today: Independent and Local
Today, Hetts continues to serve the North Lincolnshire community with a leadership team that honors its deep roots. Our current Senior Partner is Michael Stephen Connell, who joined the firm on 12th January 1976. Having been originally employed by Eric Kemp, Michael has dedicated nearly half a century to the practice.
The firm’s tradition of family service continues with his son, Ashley Connell. Ashley joined the firm in 2011, was admitted as a solicitor on 1st March 2013, and has served as a partner since 2020. In 2025, the partnership was further strengthened with the appointment of Abbie Pidd.
The Arrival
John Hett and Louisa Nicholson (1803–1878 & 1813–1898)
Click to enlarge
John Hett arrives in Brigg to serve as managing clerk to John Nicholson (solicitor and banker).
From the Hett Family Chronicles:
John Hett (1803–1878) was the son of William Hett and Catherine Crowder. He was a solicitor and married Louisa Nicholson on 17 September 1833 at Wrawby, Lincolnshire. They honeymooned in Scotland, keeping a diary mostly in Louisa's handwriting, visiting places like Roslin Chapel and ascending Ben Lomond. They had 15 children, including Roslin, Henry Nicholson, Louisa, Arthur, Frederic, John Roland, Geoffrey, Charles Louis, Francis C, Fanny, Sophia, Catherine, Robert William, William, and Charlotte.
John Hett (1803–1878) was the son of William Hett and Catherine Crowder. He was a solicitor and married Louisa Nicholson on 17 September 1833 at Wrawby, Lincolnshire. They honeymooned in Scotland, keeping a diary mostly in Louisa's handwriting, visiting places like Roslin Chapel and ascending Ben Lomond. They had 15 children, including Roslin, Henry Nicholson, Louisa, Arthur, Frederic, John Roland, Geoffrey, Charles Louis, Francis C, Fanny, Sophia, Catherine, Robert William, William, and Charlotte.
The family lived initially in Bridge Street, Brigg, then moved to the Market Place after John Nicholson's death in 1840. Louisa was deeply involved in local charity, establishing a "Ragged School" in Brigg, founding the Brigg Clothing Club, authoring books for mothers on childcare, and supporting the local Irish community. In 1874, the family moved to 27 Ladbroke Gardens, London, where Louisa resided after John's death in 1878. She remained active, hosting family and engaging in social activities until her death.
Personal Life & Legacy:
Louisa Nicholson was born in 1813 in Wrawby, Lincolnshire, to John Nicholson Esq (1781–1840) and Susanna Nicholson (1785–1871). She had 11 siblings, including Richard, Eleanor, Maria Susanna, and Henry. Louisa lived in Clifton, Gloucestershire in 1871 and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in 1891. She died on 31 March 1898 in Middlesex, England, aged 85. Known for her energy, sympathy, and devotion to family, Louisa managed a large household through bereavements, including the loss of several children to tuberculosis, and continued to support her extended family from Ladbroke Gardens.
Personal Life & Legacy:
Louisa Nicholson was born in 1813 in Wrawby, Lincolnshire, to John Nicholson Esq (1781–1840) and Susanna Nicholson (1785–1871). She had 11 siblings, including Richard, Eleanor, Maria Susanna, and Henry. Louisa lived in Clifton, Gloucestershire in 1871 and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in 1891. She died on 31 March 1898 in Middlesex, England, aged 85. Known for her energy, sympathy, and devotion to family, Louisa managed a large household through bereavements, including the loss of several children to tuberculosis, and continued to support her extended family from Ladbroke Gardens.
Nicholson & Hett Established
John Hett becomes a partner: the firm Nicholson & Hett is founded by John Nicholson (solicitor and banker) and John Hett.
Key context: John Hett takes out a £1,000 life insurance policy this year, likely in preparation for his marriage to Nicholson’s daughter, Louisa.Location: Market Place, Brigg offices in a long range at the back of the Nicholson family house, reached via a side-alley. 1832
Succession
Following John Nicholson’s sudden death, John Hett becomes head of the firm and later takes Thomas Freer into partnership, practising as Nicholson, Hett and Freer.
Family & branch context: John Hett’s sons; Roslin, John Roland, and Francis (Frank) Crowder Hett are articled at the Brigg office during this period. The firm maintains a small branch in Winterton with one resident clerk attending Petty Sessions every fortnight.
From the Hett Family Chronicles and Records:
Francis Crowder Hett (also known as Frank) was born about 1848 in Brigg, Lincolnshire, the son of John Hett (solicitor) and Louisa Nicholson. He was articled in the family firm during his father's leadership. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he practised as a solicitor in Brigg, initially in partnership (e.g., Freer, Hett & Hett), and held numerous public appointments including Clerk to the Magistrates (Petty Sessions at Brigg Police Station), Clerk to the Guardians & Assessment Committee, Clerk to the Commissioners of Sewers (Ancholme Drainage & Navigation), Superintendent Registrar, and Clerk to the Brigg Rural District Council.
Francis Crowder Hett (also known as Frank) was born about 1848 in Brigg, Lincolnshire, the son of John Hett (solicitor) and Louisa Nicholson. He was articled in the family firm during his father's leadership. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he practised as a solicitor in Brigg, initially in partnership (e.g., Freer, Hett & Hett), and held numerous public appointments including Clerk to the Magistrates (Petty Sessions at Brigg Police Station), Clerk to the Guardians & Assessment Committee, Clerk to the Commissioners of Sewers (Ancholme Drainage & Navigation), Superintendent Registrar, and Clerk to the Brigg Rural District Council.
Francis was one of 15 children in the large Hett family. He followed the family tradition into the law, contributing to the firm's continuity in Brigg through administrative and legal roles. He is remembered as part of the steady professional backbone of the Hett lineage in Lincolnshire, supporting local governance and justice in the Edwardian era and beyond. Death date not definitively recorded in available sources, but he was active professionally into at least the early 1900s.
The Move to Scunthorpe
The firm officially transfers its branch office from Winterton to Scunthorpe to meet the needs of the growing iron ore industry.
The office at 11 Wells Street was previously a bank and the original bank safe still stands in our reception today. 1870–1880Hett, Freer and Hett Era
Partners include John Hett, Thomas Freer, and Roslin Hett (who joins after a period practising independently).
Expansion: Francis (Frank) Crowder Hett is taken into partnership in 1877, shortly before his marriage.Location change: The firm moves from Market Place to Bigby Street, Brigg during the 1880s. Roslin Hett builds new offices immediately next door to his residence, “The Old House”. c. 1870s–1890s
Roslin Hett’s Leadership
Roslin Hett (1835–1894)
Click to enlarge
Roslin Hett succeeds his father, modernising the firm’s operations and appearance.
From the Hett Family Chronicles:
Roslin, who had been admitted a solicitor in 1857, first practised independently, but ultimately joined the firm and, in time, succeeded to most of his father's appointments. He was described as an able lawyer and a sound legal adviser, known for his reforming hand and for improving the general aspect of the firm's affairs.
Personal Life & Legacy:
In 1884, he met and became engaged to Constance Meta Grundy at the Riviera; they were married that summer at Christ Church, Lancaster Gate. For some time his life became increasingly difficult and anxious due to increasing delicacy which obliged him to winter on the Continent. On Christmas Eve 1894, he died suddenly of pneumonia at Torquay. He is remembered as a man who was very much the "elder brother" handsome, well-groomed, and possessing a keen interest in his family's welfare.
Roslin, who had been admitted a solicitor in 1857, first practised independently, but ultimately joined the firm and, in time, succeeded to most of his father's appointments. He was described as an able lawyer and a sound legal adviser, known for his reforming hand and for improving the general aspect of the firm's affairs.
Personal Life & Legacy:
In 1884, he met and became engaged to Constance Meta Grundy at the Riviera; they were married that summer at Christ Church, Lancaster Gate. For some time his life became increasingly difficult and anxious due to increasing delicacy which obliged him to winter on the Continent. On Christmas Eve 1894, he died suddenly of pneumonia at Torquay. He is remembered as a man who was very much the "elder brother" handsome, well-groomed, and possessing a keen interest in his family's welfare.
Freer, Hett and Hett Period
Despite the name (Thomas Freer died in 1893), by 1898 the partners are Francis (Frank) Crowder Hett and his nephew Henry (Harry) Metcalfe Hett.
War-time efforts: During the Great War, the office employs women and a returned soldier (who lost both legs) for National Registration and general work. Francis (Frankie) Roland Hett (Roland’s son) works there after leaving school in 1898.Key context: Frank Hett provides extensive public service, holding appointments for the County Court, Board of Guardians, and various Commissioners.
Location: Bigby Street offices; Frank Hett’s senior partner room is at the top of the staircase.
From the Hett Family Chronicles:
Henry Metcalfe Hett (known as Harry) was born in 1862, the son of Henry Nicholson Hett (1836–1877) and Anne Metcalfe (1839–1873). As a young boy in the 1860s–1870s, he appears in family recollections and photographs perched playfully on his uncle Geoffrey's foot during a garden group photo at the Market Place house in Brigg around 1873, alongside grandfather John Hett, grandmother Louisa, uncle Roslin, aunt Fanny, and others. Childhood in Brigg involved lively games recalled by cousin Annie Paterson (Mrs Johnstone), such as racing into the crew-yard, climbing pig-sties, jumping from high walls, mounting the grey pony barebacked, and close family bonds with cousins like Harry and Gibbie Vane. He grew up in the extended Hett household amid the Market Place and later Ladbroke Gardens eras, part of the third generation tied to the firm's continuity.
Harry became a solicitor and joined the family firm in Brigg as a partner alongside his uncle Francis (Frank) Crowder Hett in the period after Thomas Freer's death in 1893. The firm continued under the name Freer, Hett and Hett, with Harry contributing to its legal and administrative work during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras through to the Great War period.
Personal Life & Legacy:
Henry married Mary Zelma Tiden in 1894. They had four children: Roland Thorston Hett (1896–1916), Alan Stanley Hett (1898–1967), Geoffrey Bruce Hett (1899–deceased), and Audrey Mabel Hett (1900–1941). The family lived in Glanford Brigg in 1901 and Wrawby in 1911. Tragically, their eldest son Roland was killed in action during the First World War in 1916. Henry died on 16 April 1930 at the age of 68 and was buried in Brigg, North Lincolnshire. He is remembered as part of the third generation of Hetts in the legal profession in Brigg, helping maintain the firm's continuity and public service role in the local community from boyhood play in the fields to partnership in the family practice.
Henry Metcalfe Hett (known as Harry) was born in 1862, the son of Henry Nicholson Hett (1836–1877) and Anne Metcalfe (1839–1873). As a young boy in the 1860s–1870s, he appears in family recollections and photographs perched playfully on his uncle Geoffrey's foot during a garden group photo at the Market Place house in Brigg around 1873, alongside grandfather John Hett, grandmother Louisa, uncle Roslin, aunt Fanny, and others. Childhood in Brigg involved lively games recalled by cousin Annie Paterson (Mrs Johnstone), such as racing into the crew-yard, climbing pig-sties, jumping from high walls, mounting the grey pony barebacked, and close family bonds with cousins like Harry and Gibbie Vane. He grew up in the extended Hett household amid the Market Place and later Ladbroke Gardens eras, part of the third generation tied to the firm's continuity.
Harry became a solicitor and joined the family firm in Brigg as a partner alongside his uncle Francis (Frank) Crowder Hett in the period after Thomas Freer's death in 1893. The firm continued under the name Freer, Hett and Hett, with Harry contributing to its legal and administrative work during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras through to the Great War period.
Personal Life & Legacy:
Henry married Mary Zelma Tiden in 1894. They had four children: Roland Thorston Hett (1896–1916), Alan Stanley Hett (1898–1967), Geoffrey Bruce Hett (1899–deceased), and Audrey Mabel Hett (1900–1941). The family lived in Glanford Brigg in 1901 and Wrawby in 1911. Tragically, their eldest son Roland was killed in action during the First World War in 1916. Henry died on 16 April 1930 at the age of 68 and was buried in Brigg, North Lincolnshire. He is remembered as part of the third generation of Hetts in the legal profession in Brigg, helping maintain the firm's continuity and public service role in the local community from boyhood play in the fields to partnership in the family practice.
End of an Era
Frank Hett, the last of John Hett’s sons to lead the firm, passes away after 44 years of service.
1918Hett, Davy & Stubbs Era
Sometime in the early 20th century, the firm operates as Hett, Davy & Stubbs.
c. 1920sEric Kemp Joins
Eric Kemp (1925–1994), an alumnus of Doncaster Road School, joins the firm.
c. 1950sHett, Stubbs & Kemp Era
The firm becomes Hett, Stubbs & Kemp around the time Eric Kemp is made partner.
c. 1960sA Future Golfing Legend Joins
Famous golfer Tony Jacklin OBE joins Hetts as a young boy. Eric Kemp spots his potential on the golf course at Holme Hall Golf Club near Bottesford and offers him a job on the strict condition that he works mornings only and practises golf in the afternoons, with full pay!
Tony goes on to win the US Open and British Open, and competes in seven successive Ryder Cups. Mid-1960sCommunity Development Involvement
Eric Kemp becomes a director and shareholder in Bottesford Avenue Development Co. Limited, incorporated on this date. The company develops one of Scunthorpe’s most notable neighbourhoods around the “Bulls Field” area.
One of the region’s biggest development companies, KASS, is named after Kemp and three others: Bill Archer, David Sharp, and David Sowerby. 11 March 1965Michael Connell Joins
On 12th January, current Senior Partner Michael Stephen Connell joins the firm under Eric Kemp, alongside fellow trainees Stuart Cranidge, Dick Williamson, David Bradbury, William Felgate, John Roberts, and Chris Raby.
1976Loyalty Amid Change
Of the 1976 trainees, Michael Connell is the only one to remain at the practice, showing devoted loyalty to his mentor Eric Kemp.
1984Paul Stevenson’s Career Progression
Paul Stevenson joins as a trainee in 1987 and becomes a partner in 1990.
1987–1990Landmark Legal Precedent
The High Court case Midland Bank Trust Co Ltd v Hett, Stubbs & Kemp sets a national precedent on professional duty of care (arising from a solicitor’s omission to register an option as a land charge, with liability in both contract and tort).
1979Acquisition of Winacours
As Hetts, Stubbs & Kemp, the firm takes over the well-established Scunthorpe practice of Winacours, founded by Henry Marcus Winacour (3 June 1915 – 12 January 1992).
Post-1979Passing of Eric Kemp
Eric Kemp passes away on 12th June, aged 69, in Scawby.
1994Expansion
Hetts takes over Sergeant & Collins of Oswald Road and the practice of John Holt & Co of Ashby High Street.
Sergeant & Collins partner at the time was Andrew William Pascoe - who is still serving his loyal client base with us today. 2014Paul Stevenson Retires
Paul Stevenson retires from the firm.
2015Ashley Connell Appointed Partner
Ashley Connell is appointed as a Partner after successfully building a highly reputable Leasehold Enfranchisement department, gaining a substantial client base across England.
2020Abbie Pidd Joins the Partnership
Abbie Pidd joins the partnership. Known for her selfless dedication and calm professionalism, Abbie consistently devotes her limited spare time to supporting and mentoring fellow solicitors and staff, all while skilfully managing an exceptionally demanding caseload of her own. Her generosity and commitment continue the firm’s long tradition of collegiality and care.
2025- The firm handled diverse business, including regular appointments connected with bodies such as the Ancholme Commissioners and the Court of Sewers, as recorded in John Hett’s 1829 diary.
- Roslin Hett built new offices in Bigby Street in the 1880s, adjacent to his home; the original house later became the Constitutional Club, while the offices continued in use.
- Office hours in the early 1900s ran from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays (with an hour for dinner) and until 1 p.m. on Saturdays; principals frequently worked late or took papers home in the evenings.
- Smoking was always strictly forbidden inside the office during times when it was common in Britain to smoke indoors.
- Renowned for longevity: Mr. Wilson (56 years), Mr. C.W. Cray (63 years), and Mr. Henry Kenning (57 years).
- During the First World War, the firm took on significantly increased government-related work, placing a heavy burden on the remaining staff as many clerks left for military service.
- By 1918 the firm had begun employing women clerks for the first time, reflecting the wider societal changes brought about by the war.
A bird's eye view of the Wells Street area (c. 1963)
The view from our front door - The Lord Roberts