Brief History of
Charles Watts Engineering Ltd
The 'Workshop of Rugby' since 1886
The 'Workshop of Rugby' since 1886
In 1886, Founder Charles Jenkins Freeman Watts worked as a blacksmith on the canals before setting up his General Smiths business in Rugby under the name of Charles Watts and Sons. His two sons, Thomas and Charlie Watts, worked in the family business.
Both Charlie and Thomas were called up to serve in the 'Great War' between 1914 and 1918. During this period, their father Charles Watts passed away, so the business was managed by a family friend.
In 1919, Charlie and Thomas were discharged from the army, and Charles Watts and Sons was re-established in Little Church Street, Rugby.
However, Thomas had sustained a war disability and after a few years left the company.
Newspaper advert placed 5th March 1919
1935 Little Church Street Rugby.
Shortly before relocating to Little Pennington Street Rugby.
1949 Charlie Watts issued shares to investors and registered the name Charles Watts and Sons Ltd at Company House. With the help of the investors money, the Benn Street works was established.
Charlie's son Charles Sidney Watts, known as Sid Watts, joined the business after completing his apprenticeship at the BTH and National Service. Sid Watts became the third generation and, in 1964, became managing director until his retirement in 1989.
Circa 1960 outside the Benn Street works.
Sid Watts had two sons Charles Raymond and Bernard Sidney Watts both joined the business straight from school. Charles Raymond left the company to further his education.
In 1989 Bernard Watts became the fourth generation as managing director.
In 2000 , the Company's name was changed to reflect its activities at the start of the new millennium. The new registered name became Charles Watts Engineering Ltd.
Bernard merged Little Pennington Street works into Benn Street works.
Circa 1984 outside the old Benn Street works.
By 2006, the Benn Street works was no longer suitable for modern engineering activities. So the company relocated to larger more accessible premises on the Somers Road Industrial Estate.
Bernard Watts has a daughter Sophie, and a son Richard who both joined the business straight from school. Sophie left the company to pursue a career in nursing.
In 2016, Richard Watts became the fifth generation to become a director and manages the day-to-day business while Bernard is now in semi-retirement.
2016 outside the Somers Road works.
Bernard Watts
Fourth generation M.D.
Richard Watts
Fifth generation M.D.
Adroit Services Ltd
Thank you, we had our van broken into & Charles Watts engineering welded a patch over the hole for us to make the van secure again. Carried out the work at short notice to help us out. Top company!
Martin Walton
Visited with a sketch for metal plates, very helpful service. Had a quote same day and the plates were laser cut and ready for collection within 48 hours. Brilliant service!
Alex Martin
Originally, I needed a new grate for my multifuel fire, on my boat. The company not only looked at what I wanted but also, what I needed. Their expertise gave me a grate that will outlive me and the fire casing. Charles Watts, you are epic. Thank you.
Duncan Partington
Wow! friendly service with a smile. Went in not expecting them to have what i wanted, but they did and at great prices. Thanks to all the team at CW
Richard Clarke
What a great business - these guys have been supplying me with steel, ironmongery, tools, paint, consumables etc.. since the 1980’s and have evolved with the times. Always helpful and Happy to help - Thank you Charles Watts.
Ayumi Sae
Called in today wanting a sheet of metal. These guys could not have been any more helpful. Fantastic customer service. I was very impressed and would highly recommend. Thank you!
Gareth Brown
First visit yesterday for some very specific split hinges. 5 other shops had failed, but Watts had it on the shelf. Nice blokes and great stock.Will be visiting again soon for sure 👍
Michael Tongue
Really good service from this company always do their best to help me and fair on the price. 👍
Carl Gamble
I ordered some steel pins last week and they were ready the same day, which in the current situation is excellent! I spoke to a very helpful lady in customer services and she assured me that they would be ready to collect by the end of the day. I cannot recommend this place enough, very friendly and knowledgeable staff and they make you feel comfortable on arrival. Excellent service and I won't hesitate to use them again in the future. Thank you to all the staff!
TractorLass
Excellent customer service, emails replied to promptly, order was in for some mild steel box section and phone call to say ready for collection within days. Lad behind the desk was very welcoming with a happy smile on his face (something that's missing in a lot of places) and a gentleman carried the items directly to my car - Top quality service and great price - Many thanks all 😁
Paul Warneck
I was recommended by a neighbour to visit Charles Watts to see if they could source a particular bolt that I was needing. It was so reassuring to find an establishment where the staff still take the time and effort to help. The extremely helpful man behind the counter spent a good 10 minutes assisting me.Thank you and keep up the good work
