ONE of Twickenham's oldest family firms which furnished countless homes in the borough has finally closed its doors after 133 years of trading.

Phelps Limited, the landmark four storey antiques and fine furniture business in St Margarets Road, closed on Sunday.

Owner and managing director Robert Phelps told the Times: "I am a bit surprised that it has actually happened, but I am also pleased that we have sold so much stock. We had a party at a restaurant on Friday night with all the staff. Everybody was sad as we had lots of happy times, everybody really got on well.

"We have had some fantastic comments from customers who have said how much they have been furnished by us over the years.

"It is nice to know they will remember us by looking at their furniture."

Phelps Limited was established in 1870 with a horse and cart in Teddington by Mr Phelps' great grandfather. James Phelps not only bought and sold furniture but worked as an ironmonger, a plumber and a gas fitter.

The business thrived and with the start of a removal business in 1920, the firm moved to the present address. When the premises were reconstructed and extended to give more than 20,000 sq ft of showrooms in 1936, the Richmond and Twickenham Times celebrated an acre of furniture, the largest store of its kind with greatest variety in Greater London'.

The shop will be split into three units which will be rented, meaning the face of St Margarets will change.

Furniture can still be viewed on the internet, look up www.phelps.co.uk