The firm of Hallett and Co was started by Robert Furley, the son of a prominent family of lawyers and bankers in 1830.

He opened a legal office in New Rents and bought a house for himself in North Street, which had been owned by George Elwick Jemmett, a local solicitor who died at a young age. Robert was able to take over Mr. Jemmett's position as Clerk to the Justices, which was the lucky break he needed to give him influence in Ashford and because of this his business thrived.

After his death, it was said that he had put his heart and soul into everything he did, and everything he did prospered as a result. He campaigned to have the Cattle Market moved from the Lower High Street to the site by the railway, lessening the inconvenience to the townsfolk. He also became a magistrate and was known for his willingness to give deserving paupers a second chance. He also campaigned against the closure of the 'casual ward' for tramps in Tufton Street and took an interest in the Industrial School at Kingsnorth, an early kind of approved school where boys were sent for training.