Our History
Key Dates in the History of Richard Hough Ltd
Circa 1812
Company founded by Richard Hough. Originally wheelwright and coachbuilder, moving on to develop, build and supply wooden bowls with metal shafts in order to calender and mangle textiles. (Bowl originates from the "bole" of a tree). Bowls are transported by Horse and Cart at this time.
1850's
Bowls are transported by steam wagon. Advent of machine made papers and mass produced textiles leads to a need for a higher quality bowl. Wooden bowls are replaced by cloth-wrapped metal bowls.
1860's
The first pressed cotton bowls are made vertically using steam presses for the first time.
1871
The second generation Richard Hough takes control.
1884
The first pressed woollen paper bowls are made using hydraulic presses.
1890
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Large investments in machinery and buildings. Additional hydraulic presses and lathes installed. The largest supercalender bowls in the industry are manufactured at 150 inch face. New grinding machine, said to be the "most up-to-date" is delivered from Sheffield by train, then by horse and cart to the factory. This grinding machine still operates today
1896
Samuel and Harry Bellis join the company as Works Manager and Chief Salesman
1902
Company becomes "Limited" and Samuel and Harry are appointed Directors. Third generation Richard Hough is in control.
1918
Fourth generation Jack Hough takes control.
1933
The two sons of Samuel Bellis, Samuel and Norman, buy complete control of the Company from the Hough family.
1938-1945
Company turns to munition making and boring gun barrels, also making tank wheels.
1942
Ronald Bellis, son of Samuel, joins the company.
1956
James Ashton, brother-in-law of Ronald Bellis, joins the company.
1966
3 new 2000 tonne hydraulic presses are installed. Press shop is enlarged.
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1983
Middleton Bowl Works,Manchester, is obtained from Hunt & Moscrop Ltd and incorporated into the company
1984
Anthony Ashton, son of James Ashton joins the company. Anthony's great grandfather was the first Samuel Bellis.
1988-1992
The company, after 176 years at Nelson Square, moves to new premises at Mill Hill, Bolton.
The move takes 4 years to complete, whilst keeping normal production running. A brand new press shop comprising 2x new 3000 tonne 12 metre presses is built onto the existing machine shop.
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Existing presses are moved from Nelson Square into the new press shop. New offices are built at Mill Hill. RHL now have the capability to make the largest bowls in the world – not for the first time!
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2005
David Bentley, calender bowl makers is obtained and incorporated into the company.
2010
Lucy Ashton, daughter of Anthony Ashton joins the company as fifth generation Ashton/Bellis follows four generations of Hough.
