Ebenezer Ward and George Lock started this firm in 1854 in Fleet Street, London. Ward Lock & Co published for example, Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management (1860s-), the travel Red Guides, (1880-), the Wonder Book series for children, and many famous works of fiction, such as Arthur Conan Doyle's novels (1890s). In 1964, the business split in two, creating Ward Lock Educational Ltd, which was bought by Cassell Publishing in 1989. By the early 90’s, Cassell was acquired by Orion Publishing Group.