William’s trade is passed down to his son, Thomas Woods. British Agricultural Revolution has reached its peak and the Industrial Revolution is in full flow, fuelled by unprecedented growth in the rural population. Cotton and wool mills, powered by water then by steam, are starting to become a common sight, particularly in the North of England.

Having worked as a travelling salesman based in Bristol, aided by recent developments in the infrastructure of canals and railways, Thomas’ son George moves to Yorkshire to work for Knaresborough’s famous Castle Mill.

Never one to rest on his laurels in this prestigious supplier to all Royal Palaces. His work ethic did not go unnoticed, he's rewarded with a significant promotion to Manager of Castle Mill.

William E. Woods founds the family’s first linen shop in Princes Street, Harrogate, cementing the Woods’ reputation as purveyors of the finest luxury linens and consolidating their rich heritage.

The door read 'Wm. E. Woods, The Draper' and featured the same exterior clock as on the present building.

Woods moves to its present location on 67 Station Parade, Harrogate.

The famous Woods clock also moves to its' new home, high up above the now listed veranda on Prince Albert Row.

Upon William’s death, one of his two sons, George Appleby, takes over the family business.

Employee James Lambert goes off to serve in the Eighth Army in the Second World War and fights at El Alamein in 1942.

George joins the Army leaving the business in the hands of his brother, the eminent Lawyer: Ernest Woods.

The war is over, James Lambert and George return from service, George having reached the rank of Major.

Having joined in 1913, loyal staff member, Tom Bryant completes 50 years with Woods.

Longevity, a traditional value continued here at Woods to this day.

George is tragically killed in a car accident with his wife Thalia on the way to visit one of the company’s suppliers.

Their memory lives on in everything we do.

George’s son, also named William Ernest, relinquishes his pursuit of a career in law to take over the family business aged just seventeen.

He is mentored by his uncle Ernest and joined by a group of loyal staff, including James Lambert and Stanley Newbould.

After a stint working in Ireland for a firm of spinners, weavers, bleachers and dyers William attends a formal course of interior design training at Heal & Son in London, William then returns to Harrogate.

In the years that follow he travels to the Far East, India, America and Europe to learn about linen in all its guises and create links with designers and manufacturers. He then goes on to develop the company’s interior design service and establishes new in-house workshops.

Loyal employee James Lambert passes away after dedicating 64 years to Woods.

Many of the traditions of Woods were upheld by Mr Lambert, he was held in high-esteem by customers and colleagues alike.

William becomes one of the first members of the BIDA (British Interior Design Association) which later becomes known as the BIID (British Institute of Interior Design).

The BIID aims to promote professionalism in interior design.

William marries Jennifer and they have two children, Sarah Thalia and Jonathan William.

William goes on to purchase the adjoining shop to accommodate the growing business.

A milestone is reached and Woods celebrates its' centenary.

A '100 Flower Garden' is planted in the town centre by the whole family.

William’s daughter, Sarah Thalia, starts working for Woods as Interior Design Director.

Her eye for detail, maturity and professionalism soon earn her a loyal client list and a reputation that belies her age.

William’s son Jonathan starts working for Woods, following in the footsteps of his father, having travelled extensively and lived in the Far East for three years before settling into the family business.