This firm was one of the earliest Sheffield safety razor manufacturers.  The identity of the principals is unclear, but Charles Hill was probably one and William Edley (c.1851-1930) the other.  The latter was the son of William Edley (c.1809-1882) and his wife, Charlotte Carter (1811-1885).  The Edleys over the years manufactured German silver combs, tools, saws, and finally cutlery.  The third William married Esther Warner (1855-1937) and they had six sons.  One of them, George, launched Edley & Ayre.   Two sons – William and Bernard – formed Edley Bros.   William Edley (of Edley & Hill) died on 2 December 1930, aged 79, and was buried in the General Cemetery.  The burial register described him as a safety razor maker.