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.
Historical Archives & Resources
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.
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
A significant figure in the firm's lineage was Jack Hett, the son of Roslin Hett. Though he initially explored other paths, Jack eventually returned to the legal profession and the family firm in Brigg.
His life was marked by dedicated service; during the First World War, he served with distinction and was mentioned in despatches. In the final year of the conflict, he was reported missing and later found to be a prisoner of war in Bavaria. His return to the firm after the war continued a tradition of service that spanned three generations.
Hett, Stubbs & Kemp and Modern History
Our Wells Street offices in the 1960s
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 Evolution of Hetts – Key Historical Timeline
The Arrival
John Hett arrives in Brigg to serve as managing clerk to John Nicholson (solicitor and banker).
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.
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.
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.
Hett, 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”.
Roslin Hett’s Leadership
Roslin Hett succeeds his father, modernising the firm’s operations and appearance.
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.
End of an Era
Frank Hett, the last of John Hett’s sons to lead the firm, passes away after 44 years of service.
Hett, Davy & Stubbs Era
Sometime in the early 20th century, the firm operates as Hett, Davy & Stubbs.
Eric Kemp Joins
Eric Kemp (1925–1994), an alumnus of Doncaster Road School, joins the firm.
Hett, Stubbs & Kemp Era
The firm becomes Hett, Stubbs & Kemp around the time Eric Kemp is made partner.
A 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.
Community 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.
Michael 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.
Loyalty 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.
Paul Stevenson’s Career Progression
Paul Stevenson joins as a trainee in 1987 and becomes a partner in 1990.
Landmark 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).
Acquisition 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).
Passing of Eric Kemp
Eric Kemp passes away on 12th June, aged 69, in Scawby.
Expansion
Hetts takes over Sergeant & Collins of Oswald Road and the practice of John Holt & Co of Ashby High Street.
Paul Stevenson Retires
Paul Stevenson retires from the firm.
Ashley 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.
Abbie 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.
- Smoking was always strictly forbidden inside the office during times when it was common in Britain to smoke indoors.
- Partners frequently took papers home to work on in the evenings.
- Renowned for longevity: Mr. Wilson (56 years), Mr. C.W. Cray (63 years), and Mr. Henry Kenning (57 years).
A bird's eye view of the Wells Street area (c. 1963)
The view from our front door - The Lord Roberts