Directors photo from the 1988 Annual Report
Directors from left to right: Cyril Metliss, John Weston Smith, David Berry, John Ritblat, David Cohen & Stanley Berwin
1856 to the 1960s
British Land was founded in 1856 and its early history is highly unusual.
Unfortunately, virtually all the company's records were destroyed in WWII, so not much is known about this period.
1856 - 1960s >
Early 1970s
The British Land of today came into existence in March 1970, when it merged with Union Property Holdings Limited.
Early 1970s >
1973 to the 1980s
In 1973, the benign economic circumstances that had prevailed since 1970 were reversed.
1973 - 1980s >
1980s to early 1990s
In 1971, the acquisition of Plantation House had been one of John Ritblat’s earliest initiatives.
1980s - early 1990s >
1992 to 2001
In 1992 the Board embarked on a drive to seek a major joint venture with a partner who would be prepared to invest in the Company.
1992 - 2001 >
2002 to 2006
In 2002 the Company became the subject of the unwelcome attentions of a concern called Laxey Partners.
2002 - 2006 >
Book request
To obtain your free copy of ' No Stone Unturned. A History of The British Land Company 1856 - 2006' by John Weston Smith, please email us with your address to: info@britishland.com