Rushden Research Group: C H Blunsom

C H Blunsom

Blunsom Son & Co.

Charles Henry Blunsom, of Kettering, married Gertrude Belfield Clay (born at Ilkeston, DBY) in 1907, and a year later they had a son, Philip.

The business was at 39 High Street in 1908 and moved to Station Approach in about 1925 where it continued until at least 1973.

39 High Street - formerly Samuel Knight's drapery

1910 Phillipson's Directory

In 1913 he was one of seven councillors and members of the Liberal Party, writing a letter to the electorate, setting out their pre-election targets for the town, education and trade.

In WWI he was a conscientious objector.

C. H. Blunsom

Rushden Echo, 21^st June 1918

Military Tribunal - The Volunteer Condition

Monday, present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Knight, J.P., C. Bates, C. W. Horrell, and C. Cross, C.C., with Mr. G. S. Mason (clerk) and Mr. J. S. Mason (National Service representative).

An application was made by C. H. Blunsom, outfitter, a conscientious objector, who had been granted exemption on occupational grounds, on condition that he joined the Special Constables or the V.T.C. Mr. Blunsom stated that he had applied to be enrolled as a Special Constable, but that he had been refused, as men were not being taken now unless they were over 51 years of age. The Volunteer condition was waived on an understanding by Mr. Blunsom to put in two days work a week on the land.

Rushden Echo, 18th January 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins

Honoured — Pte. John Green, of the Labour Battalion (formerly assistant to Mr. C. H. Blunsom, tailor and outfitter, Rushden) has, we are pleased to report, been mentioned in dispatches for meritorious work as stretch-bearer on the field.

1921 advert

Rushden Echo, January 4^th 1924, transcribed by Kay Collins

America “Heard” at Rushden
Mr. P. Blunsom, of Wellingborough-road, Rushden, received good telephony from Pittsburgh on a self-made single valve wireless set, relayed by 2 L O (London Broadcasting Station), on Saturday night. This is a very good test at this distance, especially with a one-valve set. We also understand that many other Rushden amateurs have received telephony direct from America.

This advert tells us the shop
was moving - September 1924

We don't have a date for this
metal sign mounted on the side of Rushden Railway Station, but it advertises that they had been retailers for over 100 years.

The building was opposite the station building, and demolished about 1970 for a gateway to the yard - now a builders' merchants.

Index of all Traders