THE retirement of a well-known lawyer marks the end of an era for a historic legal practice.

John Starkie, 65, has locked the door at Curwens, in Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, for the last time after a 35-year career.

His departure means the closure of the office for the first time in more than 125 years and brings to a close a long chapter in the history of the town.

Mr Starkie said: “The firm of Curwens can trace its roots right back to 1749 when Joseph Jessopp established a solicitor’s office near to the church in Waltham Abbey, before moving to the present address, in Highbridge Street, in 1881.

“A later Jessopp was clerk to the Manor Court, of Sewardstone, in 1840 and the firm continued to provide a clerk to the court until the 1960s.”

Throughout a career specialised in conveyancing and probate law Mr Starkie made many regular clients who he now considers his friends.

“I will miss getting to know them, understanding their concerns and having the opportunity to help them,” he said.

He said he had made a special friend on one occasion at the office after adopting a neighbourhood cat which had recently been orphaned adding: “All part of the service.”