William Timpson, a shoe finisher from Mears Ashby and his wife Elizabeth (nee Denton), born at Hinwick, came to Rushden about 1888 when growth in the shoetrade was rapid, with their two sons, George and Herbert. In 1891 another son Arthur was born, Walter came 5 years later, and Harold was born in 1898 and Albert in 1900.

Herbert Timpson started his working life in the shoe trade but after WWI he started with Arthur Jacques as plumbers and decorators. They traded as Jacques & Timpson plumbers at 100 High Street South from 1920 – 1938.

In 1913 Herbert married Evelyn M Childs in 1913, living at 70 Moor Road in 1918. Herbert was also a trustee of the Trustee Savings Bank. Evelyn died in 1964 and Herbert died in 1967.

Just before WWII it became Timpson Brothers.

1940 Billhead

37 Carnegie Street

Herbert was now living at 37 Carnegie Street, and his brother Albert had joined the business. The works were in Carnegie Street, and both private addresses for the brothers were given on the invoices. By 1965 the business was registered at Queen Street.

Albert was also the Fire Brigade Captain, and he retired from the brigade in 1958 to concentrate on the business.

Albert Percy Timpson, was born in 1900. In 1925 he married Lily Ethel (nee Bollard) who was born in 1901, daughter of George and Elizabeth, of 40 North Street. She was baptised at St Peter's Church in 1907. Albert became the Fire Brigade Captain, and with Lily (known as Ethel) he lived at 154 Queen Street.

In 1967 Lily Ethel died, and Albert married Lilian I Cockburn in 1971. He died in 1991.