Rushden Research Group: 23 High Street South

23 High Street South


Photohgraph taken in 1953 by Vic Childs	In the 1960s - called "The Limes"

This House was occupied by John Smith, a butcher in 1881. In 1889 there was a serious fire of other buildings associated with the farm and close to Griffith Street. The old Smith's farm and outbuildings occupied this area. William Wilson Smith had built a large stone house in 1865 across on the other side of the road, and called it Leamington House.

At some time before 1900 the fire brigade had used the former coach house, the building in front of this farmhouse, as the store for the town fire fighting equipment.

In 1911 Fred Cowley (head of the household), his wife Mary Ann (nee Elstow), and their son Henry aged 12, were living here, and his wife’s parents and sister were living them. They were William Elstow, his wife Emma and daughter Sophy.

Fred and Mary Ann were running their business, as drapers with assistance from Sophy. William was a gardener and Emma the housekeeper.

July 8^th 1914 - George Eady Robinson of Higham Ferrers took on the tenancy of Lodge Farm, from Mary Elizabeth Smith of 23 High Street South, Rushden.

The old house, known in the 20th century as Baker's, stands close to the Church. Mr George Baker was a cattle dealer. One of his relatives, Miss Fanny Baker, a teacher at Newton Road school in the 1940s, and Ruth Cross (nee Baker) were living here, and called it "The Limes."

Reginald Baker married Mary E Smith in 1913. George Frederick J Baker, their son, was born 12 August 1920. Mary E Baker was buried at Rushden Cemetery in Grave DB54, on 29th August 1940, aged 59. Reginald was buried in Grave DB53, on 31st July 1954, aged 74.

George Baker had started working at with the calves.

He started to buy cattle to fatten, and later attended many sales. Sunday was the day for sales at Taunton, Mondays at Cambridge, Tuesdays at Melton Mowbray, Wednesdays at Utoxeter, Thursdays at Ashborne, Fridays at Derby, so plenty to choose from. For selling the cattle he often chose Banbury, Northampton or Thrapston. His last lorry was a Leyland Comet.


George riding in a trap	and riding a grey horse, always with his hat.


Outside his home at Lodge Farm and (right) he's wearing a '70' badge

George Frederick J Baker died in 1991, aged 70, and was buried in Rushden Cemetery Grave DB54 on 10th April 1991.

2019 - these photos were taken, after the property has stood empty for a considerable time, and demolition is now threatened in 2021, although some are trying to stop this!

The old Farm House


Rear - clearly showing the two phases of the building	The frontage and old doors

End view, with barn facing - the back wall of the barn being the boundary wall seen in High Street South - the barn sometime used by the Fire Brigade c1880s	Taken through a barred window - shows what vandals had done whilst the property stood empty awaiting its fate.

And in 2022

And in 2022 the insecure site had the inevitable fire, causing much roof
damage. Site now more secure so this was taken between tree branches.

In 2022 plans have been submitted for demolition, and Rushden will loose another fine building that SHOULD have been preserved.