This old established manufacturing silversmith business was originally established by Anthony Nelme c.1680 passing to Francis Nelme on his death in 1722. Thomas Whipham took over the business in 1739, passing it to his son Thomas Whipham jr in 1756 who took into partnership Charles Wright.

The business was taken over by Henry Chawner in 1786; Chawner had been Edward Barnard I’s master and Barnard’s son Edward became foreman of the firm. In 1796 John Emes became a partner and after the retirement of Chawner, Emes became owner maintaining Edward Barnard II as manager. Emes died in 1808 and his widow Rebecca took as partner Edward Barnard II. Rebecca Emes retired in 1829 and Edward Barnard I became the proprietor with his son Edward Barnard II, John Barnard and William Barnard, trading under the style Edward Barnard & Sons.

After the retirement of Edward Barnard I the firm was continued by Edward Barnard II (1846-1851), John Barnard I (1846-1868), William Barnard (1846), Edward Barnard III (1868), Walter Barnard (1868-1903), John Barnard II (1868-1903), Michael Barnard (1896-1903), Stanley Barnard (1896-1903) and Robert Dubcock (1896). The firm was converted into a limited liability company in 1910 under the style Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd. In 1977 Edward Barnard & Sons Limited became a subsidiary of Padgett & Braham Ltd.