Rushden Research Group: Charles Hewitt sub-postmaster

Charles Hewitt

Stationer, Sub-postmaster, Bookseller & Draper

Later Elizabeth Hewitt

Charles Hewitt was born in Rushden in 1838, son of James, a watchmaker, and Elizabeth (nee Briggs). He had three older siblings - Thomas, William, and Harriott, and all four were baptised at St Mary’s Church on 26th May 1841. The boys learned shoemaking. Harriot went into service.

By 1861 Charles was the only one still at home, with his parents, and was working as a clicker. Later that year Charles married Elizabeth (Steele, born Kings Lynn).

By 1871 Charles and Elizabeth had three children, Sarah, Charles and Elizabeth. Charles was now a bookseller and stationer.

He gradually increased his trade and when William Packwood, the sub-postmaster, retired in about 1872, Charles took over the post. He traded at 35 High Street, and added printing and drapery to his sales. In 1893 he also started a clothing club.

In August 1901 Charles retired as sub-postmaster, and the following year the Post Office was built, and Sidney Field became Postmaster. In 1903 Charles’ daughter Elizabeth had established a news agency in the same shop, and she continued to trade there until after her parents had died. Charles died in 1911, and his wife, Elizabeth died in 1914, and both are buried in Rushden Cemetery.

Extract from a Note Book of J E Smith

Mr Charles Hewitt Subpostmaster at Rushden for 30 years received an “Armchair” & an illuminated address on his resignation.

Northampton Mercury, 07 November 1868

W’boro Court—Licences to sell fireworks were granted to Henry Sawyer and John Abbott, of Wellingborough, also to C. Hewitt, Rushden, and George Carter, of Earl's Barton.


	A notice of assessment for Income Tax in 1872 to Charles Hewitt, sub-postmaster, for £25. The signature of J Groome in receipt of the sum who was the Postmaster at Higham Ferrers, the main Post Office, Rushden being a sub-office

1882 memo sent to Messrs Marshall to cancel some newspapers or magazines that his customers no longer required.

1872 bill to Charles Hewitt

1872 receipt to enable collection of a box.
It was sent from London and to Higham Ferrers railway station, at a cost of 5d.

1872 memo to Mr Hobs? at Thrapston asking him
to quote for 100, 200 & 500 of 4 page circulars, and also for 30 or 50 of bill forms.

Advert from Wesleyan Bazaar programme 1890


Two adverts in the Argus 3rd Nov 1893 - a Clothing Club was to start on Nov 4th.

Sale of the printing equipment 1897

1909 advert

Elizabeth Hewitt

Postcard published by E Hewitt c1910 of the Green and
Church Parade, Wheatsheaf Inn (right)

Rushden Echo, 1^st March 1901

The Golden Century Circulating Library will open on Saturday, March 2^nd. E. Hewitt, High-street, Rushden.

Rushden Echo, 3^rd January 1908

Try E Hewitt, 35 High Street, for
Best Hot-house and other Sweet Grapes.

Included in a sale in 1912

Rushden Argus, 5th March 1915, transcribed by Kay Collins

Alarming Outbreak at Rushden

A fire broke out in the stationery and fancy goods shop of Miss Hewitt, agent for the “Rushden Argus,” High-street, Rushden, on Monday evening about 5 o’clock. Councillor J S Clipson, chairman of the Urban Council, noticed the glow of the fire through the window, and at once telephoned to the Fire Station for assistance. Meanwhile Mr Wigginton, Mr Moody, Mr Wheeler, and others, with pails of water, and Mr Moody’s fire extinguisher, got to work on the fire, and soon had it under control.

The Fire Brigade were on the scene within six minutes of the call, with the hose cart, but it was not found necessary to use the fire appliances. The outbreak occurred beneath the window boards of the front shop, and a large quantity of stock, and the woodwork and glass of the window fittings were burned. The promptness of the neighbouring tradesmen undoubtedly prevented a very serious conflagration.

Miss Hewitt's shop (left) c1910

more about Charles & Elizabeth

The Misses Mobbs took over the shop about 1922

Index of all Traders