Rushden Research Group: Seckington florist & seedsman

J Seckington - Seedsman & Florist

later J Seckington & Son

The Argus dated 1st August 1889

The business was founded in 1878 by Jonathan Seckington who was born at Helmdon on 13th September 1849, and his wife Sarah born at Moulton.

Jonathan was also a postman, first at Higham Ferrers and then at Rushden. He retired in 1907.

Their son Harry Montague worked in the business all his life and took over when his father retired.

Jonathan died in January 1924, aged 74 and his wife died six years later. They are buried in Rushden Cemetery grave C422.

The shop in the 1890s


The shop at 86 High Street with FIREMAN sign above the door. c1905 Harry in the doorway, and his daughter May (right) and (right) the delivery cart c1890s. Note in the background is the corner of E Claridge's factory in Rectory Road. The nursery ground was between High Street and Rectory Road.

The Argus dated 1st August 1890	c1893
J. SECKINGTON High Street, Rushden Has for Sale a large quantity of Vegetable Marrow Plants. Also Conservatory, Flower and Vegetable Seeds. Now ready, and in good condition. Bedding Geraniums, Calceolarias, Dahlias, Etc., Etc. Coat Flowers, Hair Sprays, Hand Boquets, Wreaths, Crosses, etc. Flower Pots, Pans, etc., from 2s. 6d. of the best make. All orders promptly executed.

Mr Seckington

26 March 1906

Dear Sir,
Respecting our conversation the other day, I am now prepared to let you the remainder of the orchard, (a portion of which you now occupy at a rental of 30/- annually), from the 25^th March at the inclusive rent of £6.0.0. payable ½ yearly.

The tenancy to be terminable by a 3 months notice given beforehand, expiring on the 25^th March 1907 or any other subsequent year.

All wood fences to be maintained and trees lopped by you, and all rates and taxes except the property tax to be paid also by you.

Yours respectfully,
George Denton

Advert from the Phillipson's Directory 1908

Working in the nursery:

Harry in the nursery c1912	Harry showing his parents the nursery c1920?

Harry with horse and foal	Planting potatoes?

The greenhouses

This invoice dated 1920 tells us that the greenhouses & nurseries were still at Woburn Place & Rectory Road.

They were agents for the Native Guano Company, and made up bouquets, wreaths and crosses to order. They also and supplied cut flowers and could ‘furnish evening parties’ with plants.

It is for supply of 36 English Yews at 2/- each, and a hundredweight of King Edward seed potatoes at 16/-, supplied to Mr Joseph Knight who lived at Rosemount, Irchester Road.

The shop window decorated for the 1937 Coronation celebrations

Courtesy - Colin Bryant Collection

Shop decorated in 1937

The Family

Retirement

More reminiscences

Family Pictures

Index of All Traders