Founded by Benjamin Woolfield in 1786 the company has a long history in jewelry.  Benjamin was later joined by Charles W. Shirley Deakin, who together with C.W.B Moore and created what was known then as Deakin and Moore from 1848 – 1879.  Charles Deakin retired in 1881 and John H Francis came on board changing the name to Deakin & Francis. The Francis blood line ceased when John's son passed in World War I however the name was not removed from the company.  In 1902 the company became a limited company and continued through successful generations until the 7th generation when James joined the firm in 1998 followed by Henry in 2002.