This famous watch and clockmaking family business was founded at 88 Deansgate in 1825 by Joseph Armstrong (born 1801) and 2 of his 13 children, followed him into his Deansgate business - Thomas Armstrong (1829-91) and George Booth Armstrong (1836-91). On their father’s retirement in c1858, these two brothers then formed a partnership from the 88 Deansgate premises, changing the name of the business to ‘Thomas Armstrong & Brother’ and by 1860, opening a second retail outlet at 80 Deansgate, Manchester. With this additional retail space, the brothers also extending their product offering into jewellery and optical supplies and services.