HWM Surveyors started life as Harrison and Hall Surveyors and Land Agents, first noted in the Lancaster Guardian in April 1885. They were a prominent business in the town and they were prolific in the development of the town as a modern, thriving place to live. Their works included improving sanitary conditions in local villages, street repairs, housing and the development of the tramway system and sewerage works. They were involved in the Agricultural Society and had a real commitment to aiding the people of the town and also the numerous outlining villages.

Highly intricate maps were drawn up of Lancaster and the neighbouring town of Morecambe which by the beginning of the 20th century was beginning to burgeon into a mecca of sea, sand and leisure and catered to the many visitors from Yorkshire factories as they visited for their annual ‘Wakes Weeks’ holiday. We still hold these maps within our archive and they remain an intriguing link to the past.

Our collection of antique land surveying instruments survives and they are a far cry from the technological advancements we now have within the profession today, however, they serve to remind us how this heavy, cumbersome yet practical equipment paved the way particularly for HWM. Over the remaining 20th Century HWM in its former guises enjoyed prominence with various partners some staying their whole careers!

HWM built up relationships with other local businesses such as solicitors, banks and the local council, these relationships remain today and continue to thrive. As the century progressed, the firm weathered the storms of many political and financial crisis, and in fact diversified to open offices in Barrow, Bolton, Manchester, Urmston, Macclesfield and Colne. We continue to carry on the business of our forebearers and to value tradition. To provide quality advice and professional services to a multitude of clients. In order to ensure that our rich history is preserved and has the strength to continue far into this century.