History
Members of the Longstaff family have been selling by auction in Lincolnshire since before 1854, the earliest record that we have found.
In the early 1900's we acquired the old established practice of J Cooley & Son who were founded in 1770. Our representation in Spalding moved from the original offices in Herring Lane to our Sheepmarket premises at around the end of the 19th century, at which time we were principally involved as livestock auctioneers with markets in Spalding, Bourne and Stamford, and as Tenantright Valuers, Land and Estate Agents.
Parallel to our involvement in Spalding Livestock Auctions and Spalding Auction (formerly Spalding Bulb & Produce Auction), we continued to develop our Sheepmarket practice. However, with limited space, we moved to new premises in New Road in 1983 and added offices in Holbeach and Market Deeping at around the same time.
When many of our competitors who were active in the market in the late 1980's joined institutions, Longstaff retained its independence. That central theme of independence & impartial advice has remained with us and will continue to be a crucial factor as we move forward to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
In 2006, we opened a new office in Bourne to further extend our coverage across South Lincolnshire. Today we have 5 partners, 2 Associates, 4 Departmental Managers and a staff of over 20. 6 of the Firm's members are Chartered Surveyors, having a combined tally of over 160 years of experience in the profession.
In 2007, Graham Johnson, Head of Sales, was appointed as a partner of the firm. Also appointed to the Partnership at this time was Robbie Longstaff, which marks the seventh generation of the family to practice as auctioneers in Lincolnshire.
In May 2010, Longstaff acquired the residential lettings and management business of Lyalls Lettings which has been merged with the company's existing Bourne office.
In 2015, Kit Longstaff became a Partner of the Firm.
The professionalism and experience gained over 245 years will be central to the service that Longstaffs offer in the future; combined with this will be the latest technology, very prominent office locations and highly trained staff committed to the highest levels of client service.
R. Longstaff & Co acquired Escritt Barrell Golding in 2022 to further strengthen the firms presence in the Agricultural and Commercial sectors in the Grantham district. Escritt and Barrell was established in 1860 and there is considerable synergy between the two firms with strengths in agricultural and rural estate matters, commercial property agency and management and professional valuation work. The EBG staff continued to operate from their office in St Peter’s Hill, Grantham until May 2025 when they moved across to the newly refurbished Bourne office (23 North Street, Bourne).
R Longstaff & Co also acquired Eckfords in 2022 to further strengthen the Firm’s presence in the Residential Sales, Residential Letting and Property Management sectors in the Bourne district. Eckfords was established in Bourne in the early 1990’s by Rex and Angela Eckford. The Eckfords branded office continued to operate from 29 West Street, Bourne until May 2025 when the staff also moved across to the newly refurbished Bourne office (23 North Street, Bourne).