Our Story
The story of Browns of Stagsden through the years.
1840s
Where It All Began
The Brown family farmed in the Huntingdon and St Neots area from the late 1700s.
Our family had a butchers shop in St Neots in the 1800s with this photo taken around 1840.
Local farmers used to meet up at the butchers shop.
1947
Move to Stagsden
By the early 1900s, the Brown family were farming in the Houghton Conquest area and Jack Brown (pictured) grew up at Lye Mead Farm on the site of the Milbrook Test Track. In the 1930s Jack’s dad and his family moved to a farm in Gransden where some of the family still farm and host the Gransden Show. In 1947, Jack left the family farm and moved to Manor Farm to start out on his own (trading in his own name as J C Brown) with his wife Amy (also pictured) and their first child Rachel.
1952
Second Generation
Jack and Amy had three children: Rachel, Richard (pictured) and Rosie. Rachel studied Horticulture at Pershore College, with Richard studying Agriculture at Kesteven College and Rosie went off into Nursing. Rachel drove the combine and helped with turkeys over Christmas. Richard did a lot of machinery servicing and repairs before becoming Director of the business.
1993
Third Generation
After attending Harper Adams Agricultural College, Peter returned to the family business.
Upon his return, turkey numbers were increased and cattle were introduced back to the farm when Peter met his wife, Hilary.
2003
Camping and Caravanning Site Opens
With the family looking at ways to diversify their income, and all being keen caravanners who knew what they appreciated when camping, opening a camping and caravanning site was a natural fit. It provided a low-risk diversification opportunity while making the most of an area with stunning views across the Bedfordshire countryside and allowing them to share it with others.
2005
Farm Shop Opens
From the start of the Millenium, Peter and Hilary had started to sell freezer packs of beef. The plucking sheds and storage of turkeys over Christmas also needed updating, therefore it was decided opening a small shop would be a good next step for the business.
2009
Farm Shop Expansion
With a growing customer base, the shop outgrew the initial space and was moved next door, with the old shop now being used as a kitchen. A further expansion took place in 2015, when a small tea room was opened along with a tea garden.
2018 – Present
Fourth Generation
Jack returned to the family business full time in 2018, followed by his twin sister Emily in 2026. Together, they are the fourth generation of the family to work in the business. Jack studied Agriculture at Moulton College and Emily studied Agriculture with Farm Business Management at Harper Adams University.
With the challenges farming is facing from a changing climate to political uncertainty, diversification is becoming key to ensuring farm businesses remain sustainable for future generations.
We’re proud of our history and genuinely excited about what’s next. If you’d like to learn more, pay us a visit, or explore what Browns of Stagsden might offer you, we’d love to hear from you.