Today, 30th April 2025, Greene & Greene mark the centenary of the passing of John Wollaston Greene, the founder of our firm.
John Wollaston Greene, born into a family of solicitors, trained at his father’s firm, Patridge & Greene, and qualified as a solicitor in 1890. In 1893, he established his own practice at 58 Guildhall Street which is now home to Scotts Opticians. His brother, Kenneth Wollaston Greene, joined him in 1903, and together they laid the foundations for the values that continue to guide our firm today.
John was not only a distinguished solicitor but also a dedicated public servant. He served as Registrar of the Diocese, Legal Secretary to the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, and Registrar of the Archdeaconry of Sudbury, contributing significantly to both the legal profession and the local community.
In 1912, John married Eva Paulina Boughey, who shared his commitment to public service. Eva held the office of Justice of the Peace for West Suffolk, was County Alderman for West Suffolk, and served twice as Mayor of Bury St Edmunds. Their family home, ‘The Panels’ on Northgate Street, later became the Bury St Edmunds Farmers Club in 1946.
John’s family was renowned for their achievements. His Great-Great Uncle Benjamin Greene founded Greene King, and his Great Uncle Benjamin Buck Greene served as Governor of the Bank of England. His second cousins included Graham Greene, the internationally acclaimed author, Sir Hugh Carleton Greene OBE, former Director General of the BBC, and Charles Raymond Greene, a pioneering mountaineer.
John passed away on 30th April 1925 at the age of 65 and is buried at St Peter’s Church Cemetery in Thurston, Bury St Edmunds. To honour his memory, a memorial window was erected at the Northwest corner of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, where it stands as a testament to his life and contributions.
Today, as we commemorate 100 years since his passing, we celebrate the enduring values and vision John Wollaston Greene instilled in Greene & Greene. His remarkable legacy lives on through the firm he founded and the community he helped shape.
Find out more about the firm today on our website: www.greene-greene.com.
