Arthur was apprenticed to Mr. Thomas Hewer of Grays, a draper and was later to open his shops one on the corner of New Road and another in the High St. a shop he originally acquired on a mortgage and later owned together with the dwelling next door, Homersham the grocer's. 

  

     In 1872 Arthur acquired the house and tenements of sun yard, the house facing the High St. was given a new shop front in 1874 at a cost of £236/5/- and 3 years later a new warehouse and other fixtures at a cost of £2050. This property lay between the church and the Sun Inn and remained the premises until the end of Horncastles career. Arthur conveyed the property by deed of gift to his eldest son on October 14th. 1886.

     Arthur extended the business from that of clothier to upholsterer and furniture dealer and perambulators as well. 

Horncastle shop interior.
      In 1855 he became, as did his father and grandfather before him, Parish Clerk an office he held until 1886, being then followed by his son Arthur jnr.

     He was also an original director of the Grays Gas Company.

     In Grays apart from his business he bought the old infants school from Mrs. Jane Meeson on a 21 year lease and the old wharf cottages and stables from James Theobold. He also bought land in Little Thurrock in a partnership with his brother in law in 1878 for £750, in 1880 they sold 4 acres to The Grays Burial Board for a new cemetery for £500.

Arthur died in 1894 at the relatively young age of 68.

In February 1958 the business of Horncastle's passed from the control of the family into other hands, ending an association that lasted for over 100 years.

The Horncastle Family grave at Grays Parish Church.

Continue to Horncastle advertisement, 1931.