OUR HISTORY
Since 1893, we have striven to deliver a high quality service economically and ecologically.
Buckleigh Laundry started out in 1893 as a small business catering to the private houses in our rural location. Although we no longer do domestic laundry, we have steadily expanded whilst keeping to the same ethical standards, and have endeavoured to deliver a high-quality service to the leisure and hospitality industry throughout the West Country.
We sell ourselves on our quality. Whether it is the whiteness of our linen, the reliability of our service or the care and attention of our customer service, we attempt to be the best from every aspect. As one of the last family run laundries in the South West, we assure of our dedication as well as our decisive, hands on response to customers’ needs. You won’t have to contact several different people to achieve your desired outcome.
Even before the fire, which completely destroyed the laundry in 1994 we were the recipients of the Energy Efficiency Office Best Practice award and were selected as an example for others. Since the subsequent redevelopment, we have built upon this strong foundation and further improved our practices.
As we continue to grow, we are ever mindful of our environmental commitment and it is something we have been dedicated to for many years. The water we use on site is sourced from our well that draws from a natural aquifer. All our chemicals are all biodegradable and we use only natural starch. During the 1980s and 1990s, we planted thousands of hardwood trees in the fields that were once used for grazed by the horses that towed our delivery vans. Now Buckleigh stands on 12 acres of land surrounded by woodland that is home to a variety of wildlife.
As times have changed, we have incorporated our knowledge and resources to enable us to change effectively too, whilst still offering a first class service and ensuring our impact on the environment is as low as possible.
‘All ways green since 1893’
OUR TIMELINE
Harry Escott buys the plot of land.
Buckleigh Laundry officially begins trading.
During this period of time, the original building is expanded upon for additional space and machinery.
The outbreak of World War One. As part of the war effort, Buckleigh’s wagon horses used for delivery, are taken by the War Office to serve in France.
Buckleigh acquires vans for the first time.
This is the last year that horses are used for deliveries.
The first official staff outing
The chimney for the boiler is the built, the one that is still there today!
Uncle Jack takes over as Managing Director as Henry Escott passed away.
‘Tummin’s’ well is dug, 110 feet deep, 8 foot diameter. This is the source of our water today.
The windmill is taken down after its shaft snapped and it struck the pump house.
Vernon Carr Boyle takes over as Managing Director, following the death of Uncle Jack.
A new machine is installed called the Fantom Fast Marking Machine. This allowed us to mark linen without leaving a visible trace.
Buckleigh begins to use the iconic Commer 1 and a quarter ton vans.
At some point in the early 1950s (unsure due to incomplete records) the ‘Tornado’ tumble drier was installed. Due to being in a workshop during the 1994 fire, it is still in use today!
Dry cleaning room opens for business after facing immense delays for the machinery due to post war resource issues.
Richard Boyle takes over as Managing Director.
Buckleigh Laundry is totally destroyed by a fire.
The laundry is rebuilt and running by April and officially reopened by the local head of General Accident in July.