Rushden Research Group: Old shops in Church Street

Old shops of Church Street

Some of the photographs of Church Street shops that we have copied.
We have little information but what is found in the Trade Directories.


Jabez Cowley - 17 Church Street The advertisering plate above the shop doorway is for artifical teeth by a Wellingborough company. Also a fire hydrant notice "FH-9ft".
Jabez Cowley was one of the founder members of the Mission Band in 1898

Northampton Mercury, 12 January 1900

Bankruptcy Cpurt: Re George Clayton, 42 Glasbrook-road, and 5 Church-street, Rushden, stationer and newsagent. Examination closed without further questions being asked.


J S Clipson - 14 Church Street c1905	W H Darnell - 16 Church Street

1910 adverts in Phillipson's Directory

In 1912, No. 22 Church Street was music shop and home of J E Smith, organist/choirmaster at St Mary's Church from 1875-1930. Later it was Iliffe's Pork Butchers.

At No. 26 Mrs Whitby ran a knitting business and next door Mrs Tusting was a "costumier".

No. 30 was Arthur Okins' cycle works, by 1920 the first factory of John White shoemaker.

At 32 was the Lightstrung cycle works. Two cycle agents were at 13 and 19 in 1910.

William Hustwait - 25 Church Street

22-30 Church Street c1912

1910 Phillipson's Directory

Rushden Echo, 23rd November 1917

Arthur Loake (late Piggott) 23 Church-street, Rushden, is now showing a fine selection .............

Mrs Annie Piggott, draper, advertised in Kelly's directory in 1914 only.
Arthur Loake remains there from 1917 until at least 1940.

Street Surveys & Notes