Rushden Research Group: 114 High Street

114 High Street

Built 1888

Like most of Rushden, the land was formerly farm land. This area was owned by George Denton, of Denton shoe manufacturers, and he sold it in the late 1880s. A large plot was purchased by Wallis Wilkerson, who built a row of 5 shops, known as Victoria Buildings.

At 114 High Street, as Philip Sedgman was manager in 1901, it would be assumed that he had been in the same building as W J Sedgman, who left town in 1898.

Extract from Rushden Industries 1891

17 - W. J. Sedgman, Clothier and Juvenile Outfitter, 3, Victoria Buildings, High Street.

Among the recently established business enterprises of note in Rushden must be mentioned that of Mr. W. J. Sedgman, Clothier and Juvenile Outfitter, who occupies commodious and well-appointed premises at No. 3, Victoria Buildings, High Street. Mr. Sedgman is evidently thoroughly acquainted with the trade in all its branches, for he is maintaining a stock remarkable for variety, excellence, and cheapness, and consequently is attracting a considerable share of patronage. All kinds of fashionable ready-made clothing for men, youths, and boys may be found at this establishment, together with juvenile outfits, silk and felt hats, caps, hosiery, shirts, cuffs, collars, ties, scarves, gloves, umbrellas, etc., etc. The premises possess a handsome lofty frontage, and are well adapted in every way to the business in hand. Mr. Sedgman has had no reason to complain of the success that has attended his efforts during the few months he has been established, and the people of Rushden have cause for congratulation on the acquisition of such a reliable and enterprisingly conducted clothing business.


1893 advert - Rushden & Raunds	Rushden Argus 10th February 1893

Rushden Echo, 5^th September 1924, transcribed by Kay Collins

Twenty six years ago – September 1898

Mr and Mrs W J Sedgman, on leaving Rushden, were presented by the Park-road Wesleyan Choir and friends with a cake basket and knife.

Note: William and Philip Sedgman were brothers, born at Porthleven, Cornwall.

There is no clue as to what brought William to open his shop in Rushden. He had been working in Porthleven, and returned there when his brother took over the management of the Rushden shop. Philip left and was married in the Ashford area in 1903, before moving to Yeovil.

The shop remained as a clothiers and J J Clark had taken over the business by 1908.

Index of All Traders