The Founder Years
The Company is named after Thomas Ferguson (27th April 1820- 24th February 1900), one of the best linen weavers in the world.
Born in Clare, near the village of Waringstown in Co. Down, the two most popular jobs to get were hand weaing Irish Linen, or farming (which is what Thomas' father John did).
The Start
Sadly, John died in 1831, and Thomas' mother died in 1836. That’s when Rev. John Johnston (1786-1862) of Tullylish Presbyterian Church, stepped in and became the guardian of Thomas, and his brother John. It was Rev. Johnston was the one who introduced him to Brice Smyth (1796-1851) of Brookfield, Banbridge, a skilled Irish linen weaver.
Even though he was blind from smallpox, Brice was an extremely talented handloom weaver of fine linens, and a noted teacher of his trade. It was said Brice Smyth could feel the brown webs of any linen cloth as they brought into his warehouse by the weavers, and determine if the cloth had been correctly woven.
Thomas Ferguson Starts His Own Company: Ferguson
When Brice finished teaching Thomas the way of weaving in 1845, Thomas left Brookfield to set up his own business as a handloom weaver in Banbridge.
It is believed he started Ferguson in a house in Church Square. 9 years later in 1854, Thomas would see success. People loved his Irish linen. Seeing this, he took a leap of faith and acquired a 999 year lease of the site on which the Company operated for 137 years. The factory on this site was known as Edenderry Works.
Ferguson Expands the Company
In 1866, Ferguson knew it was time for a big change. He formed a partnership with his two brothers-in-law, James and Benjamin Dickson, and created the company, Dickson, Ferguson & Co.
In 1867 on the site which Thomas Ferguson had earlier purchased the lease, and the factory was equipped with steam powered looms with Jacquard machines for damask weaving.
In 1883 the two Dickson brothers retired from the business. In 1884, the Company with its present title was incorporated, having Thomas and his sons, Howard and Norman, serving as the directors with Thomas’ another son, Thomas S. Ferguson Jr. as secretary.
Thomas Ferguson’s (the founder) three grandsons later entered the Company and after some time, his two great-grandsons and one great-great-grandson also entered the family business. To find out more about the history of linen in Banbridge and Thomas Ferguson.
1960 - 2025: Acquisitions and More Expansion
In December 1988 Thomas Ferguson & Co. Ltd. joined the Franklins Group . This was formed by another textile Company based in Banbridge Franklins International Ltd. Franklins is the premier badge, label and embroidery specialist in the UK and Ireland and was founded in 1835, in Coventry.
Franklins International Ltd supplies to youth organisations, commercial companies, charities, military, security and emergency services. It also provides manufacturing services at the local, national and international levels within the sports, industrial, fashion, career wear and promotional markets.
In 1999, Franklins Group acquired Brownlow Textiles Ltd., currently known as Brownlow Linens. Brownlow is now a brand of Thomas Ferguson Co. Ltd.
In November, 2012 the John England brand came under the same ownership as Thomas Ferguson. John England (Banbridge) Ltd. is a designer and wholesaler of apparel and interior fabrics, and carries a wide range of unique off-the-shelf linens.
In January 2015, John England (Banbridge) Ltd. joined Franklins Group. Now as a sister company of Thomas Ferguson, both companies work closely together. John England exclusively sells fabrics by the metre and adds a wide choice of unique stock fabrics for fashion and apparel, curtain, upholstery, theatrical linens, film productions, etc. to the range. It also designs unique fabrics along with our customers; to meet their specific requirements.
In 2019 the company celebrated 165 years in business.
"But at my back I always hear Time's winged chariot hurrying near And yonder all before us lie Deserts of vast eternity."
Andrew Marvel 1621-1678 "To His Coy Mistress".