About Us

It has been possible to trace a solicitor named Boys dating back to 1803. He was John Boys who was born in 1782 and admitted as a solicitor in the Trinity term of 1803. Following his admission, he practised in partnership with Jacob Sawkins of Margate from 1803-05. From 1805-37 he practised alone and in 1837 he was joined in partnership by John Harvey Boys. John Boys was for many years J.P. for the County of Kent and died at Margate on 13th January 1861 aged 79. John Harvey Boys also practised in Margate until his death on 29th May 1870 aged 55. Toke Harvey Boys was the son of John Harvey Boys and was admitted in the Michaelmas term of 1870. Following his admission he joined the firm of Boys and Boys until 1874 when he appears to have practised on his own account. The firm Boys and Maughan came into existence in 1902 when Toke Harvey Boys was joined in partnership by C.E. Maughan. Toke Harvey Boys died on 12th February 1916 aged 72. The successor to the practice was Mr. Cyril Collingwood Maughan of Margate, whose photograph is displayed in one of the front offices. He was also Clerk to the Justices for the Petty Sessional Division of Margate, which, until 1972 met in the Old Town Hall. J.S.C. (Jack) Maughan died in 1970, the last of his line to be a solicitor. The early 19th century Thanet map displayed on the lower staircase at India House is signed on the back by Toke Harvey Boys and by "Thomas Snooks, his Clerk". The crayon lines on the map appear to represent the path of the new railways.

The firm has at various times practised in Folkestone, Sandwich, Cliftonville and Canterbury. It is now represented in Margate, Birchington, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. 

Boys & Maughan is a provincial solicitor's firm with a total strength including partners and staff of over 80, practising at its main office at India House, Hawley Street, Margate and from branches at Birchington, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. In Hawley Street the firm maintains units specialising in Family Law (No.15), Financial Services (India House), Child Care (No.4) and Personal Injury (No.3).

The firm is dedicated to the principle that the modern solicitor should offer an accessible and friendly service with high quality advice and assistance available to those from all walks of life. From private individuals to businesses large and small: you will be treated with the same attention, expertise and respect. Established for 200 years, the firm maintains a fully modern service with use of state-of-the-art computer equipment. In addition to our position as the leading conveyancing practice in Thanet, we offer an extensive professional experience in the local Magistrates' and County Courts. Legal advice and assistance is available on a wide variety of legal or financial matters including: Buying or Selling a Property: Housing/Landlord and Tenant: Divorce and Family, Children: Adoption: Personal Injury: Employment Problems (employer and employee): Wills: Administration of Estates: Trusts: Powers of Attorney: Debt Collection: Tax: Planning: Court of Protection: Mortgages: Pensions: Insurance and Welfare Benefits. Legal Aid is offered in family work, and the offices at Margate and Ramsgate are contracted to the Legal Services Commission for the provision of legal services . Other payment schemes are offered including ‘No Win/No Fee’ arrangements.

Toke Harvey Boys might not recognise our methods of operation, but he would certainly appreciate our continuing commitment to service, skill and integrity.