‘Burgoynes of Lyonshall’ has been firmly rooted in Lyonshall village in Northwest Herefordshire since 1909.
Well over a century ago, William Burgoyne was a real-life entrepreneur trying his hand at any trade. This included providing Lyonshall village with its first electricity and piped water supply.
William was a stone mason, coal merchant, farmer, and haulier, not to mention the man to see if you needed to hire a marquee for a special occasion. He was the embodiment for the Victorian ethos of hard work and innovation.
William was father to six sons; Bob, Pryce, Fred, Ernest, Jack and Bill, and one daughter, who all played their part in the continuation of the Burgoyne family empire.
The Burgoyne name is synonymous with marquees, and this side of the business was expanded by Bob, the eldest son, after spending much time under canvas during the Great War, and seeing its potential.
Burgoyne’s Marquees have been a familiar sight for decades at agricultural shows and major events across the country, and have graced many lawns for family weddings.
The Burgoynes commercial enterprise has had to evolve and adapt over the years, seeing numerous changes, and the children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren of William, have played a key part in this, keeping it a deeply rooted family business. Burgoynes has also played an important part in providing much needed employment, full-time, part-time and seasonal, in a rural area.
Bob’s son Reg was patriarch of the family, and his son David continued the tradition. Peter, son of Pryce, played a major part in the Burgoynes business and stood as Chairman for 23 years. Andrew, son of Fred, and current Company Chairman has maintained the farming link and is responsible for its 400 acre mixed farming enterprise.
In 2007 Malcolm Thompson was appointed externally as Chief Executive to support the day to day running of the Burgoynes and oversee the evolution of the business in increasingly competitive markets.
In 2014, fifth generation directors Jim and Matt Burgoyne, sons of David, took control of Burgoynes Marquees Ltd to continue the family marquee tradition.
In 2021 Burgoynes Pallet Track Ltd was formed as an employee-owned business, taking the business firmly and confidently into the 21st Century