Downton

C M Downton Ltd was formed in 1955 when Conrad Michael Downton, the owner of a small Gloucestershire farm, invested in a gravel-carrying tipper lorry and began moving small loads around the county to supplement the modest income from the farm.

The business quickly became involved in a number of major projects across the region such as the building of the M5 and the construction of the approach roads to the Severn Bridge. By the end of the 1960s, Downton had built up a fleet of tipper vehicles and was heavily involved in the construction industry in Gloucestershire and along the M5 corridor.

In the early 1970s, Downton purchased its first articulated lorry and the business continued to flourish. Soon it had more than a dozen articulated vehicles. Downton diversified its operations and commenced working for the local brewing industry, winning major contracts with Bass Brewers and the Flowers Brewery in Cheltenham.

Although the company was growing quickly, the business’ philosophy was the same as when it had a single truck: whatever the request, Downton would do everything in its power to get it done. The photo is courtesy of and copyrighted to Ross Cumner.

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