Matthew Bates was son of William a labourer, and Sarah and had three brothers, Edward, William and Charles. They were all born at Podington.

Matthew was born in 1855 and married Jane Campion on 27^th September 1876 at St Mary's Church Rushden. In 1881 he was living in Church Street, and was working as a shoe rivetter.

15, 17 and 19 Church Street in 2023 The old BATES name board recently uncovered during refurbishment of these buildings and conversion back to residential properties.

By 1891 he was a general dealer trading at 17 Church Street. They had five children, John T, Mary, George, Mabel and Walter. The business grew until in 1906 he had 17, 19 and 21 Church Street, trading now as a furniture dealer. Son George began as a cycle and motor cycle dealer at 19 about 1904, and then John took on 21, and J Mayo & Co were at 15 & 17 in 1906. George served in the RAF in 1918.

Matthew Bates left the shop in 1910 and George continued with his motor and cycle business until he enlisted in 1914.

Matthew and Jane had now moved to the Chestnuts, Bedford Road, and he was now a farmer with son William working as a farm labourer.

Matthew died in 1931 and Jane in 1938.