Richard Rowse Rowell a watch and clockmaker established a jewellers in Oxford in 1797, which became Rowell and Son Ltd when he was joined in business by his son Richard Sydenham Rowell. The business originally operated from 36 Broad Street before moving to 20 High Street in 1861. In 1885 they moved again to 115 High Street in 1885, where it remained until 1986 when it closed down. A shop named Rowell of Oxford was begun by former employees and is currently located at 12 Turl Street.
The records are mainly financial and date mainly from the 1960-1970s. There are also some records for A. Ballard Ltd a watchmaker with premises at 45 Queen Street.
The records were catalogued by Alison Smith in July 2015.