William Westley Richards, aged 22, quietly started a gun and pistol manufactory behind 82 High Street, Birmingham, overlooking the old Bull Ring and parish church of St. Phillips in 1812. His aim was to be the maker of as good a gun as can be made and this ideal, we are emboldened to say has been handed down to the present generation.

As one of the world's premier Gunmakers, Westley Richards has always maintained strong ties with London. In 1815, William Westley Richards set up shop in Bond Street, with the well known character and sportsman, William Bishop as manager. He rapidly became known as 'The Bishop of Bond Street' serving the firm for over fifty years and building an enviable reputation for Westley Richards guns and their service to sportsmen the world over.