Growing Oysters Since 1769
Our story began in the 1700s, when the Haward family first started cultivating native oysters. Nearly 300 years and eight generations later, we continue to grow and harvest world-class oysters in the creeks surrounding Mersea Island, working with nature and drawing on centuries of knowledge passed down through our family.
Timeline
Our Journey
Nearly 300 years of oyster farming, passed down through generations.
1769
William Haward Snr (1st Gen)
Gifted oyster beds, laying the foundations for the family’s oyster farming tradition.
1790
William Haward Jr (2nd Gen)
Expanded the family trade, selling oysters directly into London markets.
1810
Adam Haward (3rd Gen)
Continued the family’s growing oyster farming tradition.
1840
Boatman Haward (4th Gen)
Carried the family’s oyster farming tradition into a fourth generation.
1870
William Haward (5th Gen)
Continued cultivating oysters and building on the family’s established heritage.
1900
Edwin Haward (6th Gen)
Purchased oyster beds from the landowner, securing them for the family business.
1960
Richard Haward (7th Gen)
Established the family’s stall at Borough Market, bringing Haward oysters directly to London.
2010
Tom Haward (8th Gen)
Rebuilt and modernised the processing plant, increasing capacity to over one million oysters a year.
Our mission
From sea to plate
Grown in the waters surrounding Mersea Island, our oysters are harvested from our own beds and enjoyed by chefs, restaurants and homes across the country.
Borough Market
Freshly shucked oysters in the heart of London’s iconic food market.
