This enterprise was founded in about 1816 as B. & J. Burdekin.  It was listed as a table knife manufacturer in Bridgehouses, but by the mid-1820s the firm was a merchant and manufacturer of files, table knives, and forks in Carver Street.  By then, the partners were Benjamin and Thomas Burdekin (brothers), Joseph Hobson, and Alfred Hawley.  Hobson retired in 1827 and a new business – Burdekins & Hawley – was formed.  They had an office in Carver Street and rolling and forging capacity at Vulcan Works, South Street (Thomas Ellin).  In 1828, Thomas Burdekin went to Sydney in Australia to establish a branch of Burdekins & Hawley.  The firm also established an office as an ironmonger and general merchant in Throgmorton Street in the City of London.  Evidently, the brothers prospered.  Benjamin retired in 1840 (aged about 45) and left Thomas and Alfred Hawley to continue the business.  Thomas acquired extensive real estate in Sydney and died in 1844.  Benjamin, who lived on Glossop Road, died on 22 January 1871, aged 76, and was buried in Ecclesall cemetery.  He left under £25,000.