1. Home
  2. Our History

Our History

Our History image

Our History

Maples Solicitors LLP (originally Maples & Son) was founded in the late 1820’s by Ashley Maples (1806-1886) (pictured top left) who for over 50 years was one of the most prominent figures in the public life of Spalding. He was a member of the Spalding Improvement Board (a predecessor of the District Council), Clerk to the Spalding Guardians (who ran the Workhouse) and a Town Husband. Further, he was Superintendent Registrar and for many years the offices of Maples & Son were the Registry Office for Spalding and District; the last link between these organisations only ceasing in 2005, so that many Registry Office weddings were conducted in our building. HE was also a Feoffee of the Spalding Living (that is, one of the Trustees who appointed the Vicar of Spalding), Governor of the Moulton Endowed School and Treasurer of the Spalding Gentleman’s Society; organisations which the firm continues to be associated with as Clerk and/or Legal Advisor to this day.

The founder was followed by his son, also Ashley Maples (1837-1876) who originally went into Partnership with his father. He was followed by Harold Stanley Maples (1851-1917) who was then later succeeded by his nephew Ashley Kilshaw Maples (1868-1950) who is especially remembered for continuing the connection with the Gentleman’s Society and its bird collection (pictured bottom left), which can still be seen today at Leicester Museum.

A K Maples was succeeded by his cousin, Captain E J S (Jack) Maples MC (pictured right) who is still remembered by many of our older clients. His death in 1977 (at the age of 79) brought an end to over 140 years of involvement by the family with the firm across five generations. The firm is proud to continue its traditional associations with the Anglican and Methodist churches, various local charities, local authorities such as South Holland District Council and locals schools (including Spalding Grammar School). Many of our farming clients have been represented by the firm for four or five generations and to this traditional client base we have added a number of commercial and developer clients. On the 1st January 2007, Maples & Son Solicitors became Maples Solicitors LLP and in November 2022 Maples opened a second office in Doncaster.

We continue today to serve our clients with the same care and attention as we have for almost 200 years.

 


Stamp Duty Changes from 1st April 2025 image

Stamp Duty Changes from 1st April 2025

In accordance with Government Announcement on the 30th October 2024 from 1st April 2025, there will be several changes coming into effect.
Please note if you complete after 1 April 2025 then these changes could impact the stamp duty rate applicable to you even if you have exchanged contracts already.

Thresholds up to 31 March 2025

SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £250,000 for residential properties
- £425,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £625,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties

Thresholds from 1 April 2025

SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £125,000 for residential properties
- £300,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £500,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties

You can visit the gov.uk website and search Stamp Duty Land Tax where you will find further information and a calculator to enable you to calculate the rate and amount payable.

To discuss any Conveyancing matters please contact either Donna Sandison or Laura Day of our Conveyancing Team or telephone the office 01775 722261.

Read More

Testimonials

Jamie Dobbs FCILEx

"I should like to take this opportunity to express my very sincere and grateful thanks for Jamie's unfailing helpfulness and efficiency in all aspects of the handling of my late stepmother's estate. Jamie have always replied to my (many!) queries promptly and comprehensively which has been a enormous help throughout what I know can be a fraught and stressful process. Sadly, it is increasingly rare these days to experience the highs standards of service that Jamie has provided."

Gemma Mayer LLB

"I would highly recommend Maples Solicitors, especially Gemma Mayer, for any conveyancing work. The level of support and professionalism was excellent at all times. I also felt if I needed to ask or clarify anything that it was not an issue. Buying and selling a house is stressful enough, but Gemma helped me through it step by step."

Anita Toal LLB BA

"I think you are brilliant. You can use my comments above. You are efficient, friendly and quite clearly very good at what you do. Mainly you don’t leave people hanging around too long for." "So easy to talk to her and she understood what I wanted. She put me at ease and I cant thank her enough"

James Turner BA

James Turner was extremely helpful with our buying process. Everything went smoothly. We are very happy with the level of professionalism demonstrated by the office. Highly recommended solicitors. Will definitely do business with them again.

Daven Naghen LLB

"Daven provided an excellent service, from attending the first interview with me to the final court appearance. He filled me full of confidence that he would defend me to which he did and come out with an excellent outcome in view of my position that I had put myself in."

Faye Blair LLB

Faye was excellent, sensitive and acted very well to the time constraints we faced. Great service and dealt with compassion at such sad times made the process less painful very professional.

Jamie Dobbs GCILEx

Over the last forty years I have cause to deal with many law firms both in a personal and professional capacity, including some ‘top’ London Companies. In all of those dealings I have never found anyone as proactive and so willing to offer help and advice as Jamie Dobbs. During the last two years Jamie guided my parents through the completion of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Helped myself with the use of the LPA and recently dealing with Probate and Estate Administration following their death.

Mike Pepper MA

Mike Pepper gave us excellent advice. He was always most helpful and accommodating giving lucid explanations every step of the way. Thank you Mike.

Donna Sandison FCILEx

Donna has been helpful and professional every step of the way during the process. Always on hand to answer any queries and totally professional and friendly at all times.