Founded in 1570 when Queen Elizabeth I was still on the throne, Thomson Snell & Passmore was founded in Tonbridge Parish by a curate of the church, Nicholas Hooper. The curate described himself as a 'scrivener and drafter of documents'. He wrote wills and property bonds for local people. 

Always here

Simon Slater, chief executive of the firm today, said: 'This recognition underpins our promise to our clients that we will always be here to provide legal support.'

Wills and commercial advice

The firm, which now has 215 employees and 37 partners, still writes wills but also has a large commercial and corporate department. Sources: Thomson Snell & Passmore; World Record Academy