This December marks 200 years since the birth of Alfred Groves, the man whose name remains at the heart of a much-loved Milton-under-Wychwood business.
Born on 28 December 1826, Alfred was the sixth child of Thomas and Hannah Groves. Following his father's death in 1860, Alfred took charge of the family's building business, which flourished under his leadership, particularly from the 1870s onwards.
But Alfred's story was about more than bricks and mortar. A family man, he had three children with his first wife, Ann, who sadly died in 1855. He later married Mary Reynolds, with whom he had ten more children.
Alfred was also deeply involved in village life. In 1867, he joined the Milton Vestry, a predecessor of today's Parish Council, serving his community for an impressive 30 years.
In 1904, Alfred Groves and Sons formally became a limited company, securing the foundations for future generations.
Following Alfred's death in 1914 at the age of 88, his sons continued the family business. Remarkably, 200 years after his birth, the company remains in the hands of his descendants.
A legacy built not simply on buildings, but on family, craftsmanship and a lasting connection to the community.