Abbey Manor Group can trace its history back to a builder named Ernest R Bartlett, who in 1870 established himself as a builder in Hardington, Nr Yeovil. Ernest had two sons, one of which was Francis Robert Bartlett who continued the business upon his father's death incorporating as FR Bartlett Ltd in 1913. Upon retirement in 1934 he sold his business to two brothers, Howard and Espley Timmis whose family still own and manage the company which changed its name to Abbey Manor Group Ltd in 1997.

It was, however, Francis' brother, Herbert Henry Bartlett who left Somerset for the bright lights of the capital to take up employment with, and ultimately owned and managed, a London civil engineering firm called Perry & Co where he worked for 59 years. It was during this time as a civil engineer and contractor that he and his firm were responsible for the construction of many landmark buildings in London, including St Thomas's Hospital, the rebuilding of Waterloo Station and the Tower Bridge.

Herbert Bartlett's achievements and contribution to the city of London were recognised in 1913 when was made a Baronet, the 1st Baronet of Hardington Mandeville, recognising his South Somerset roots.

Sir Herbert endowed London University which renamed its faculty of Architecture in recognition. Today, UCL's world renowned Faculty of the Built Environment and it's School of Architecture is still known as "The Bartlett".

(Image supplied by Institution of Civil Engineers)