George Denton, son of Benjamin Denton, founder of the firm B Denton, kept the farm in Town Street at the time Rushden was growing rapidly with the shoetrade factories. He had amassed 106 acres of land by 1881, and was 32 years old, having married Amelia in 1876, and now had two sons. George was 3 years old and Benjamin aged 1 (sadly 'Bennie' died in 1891 aged just 11).

George was employing 50 men, 16 boys and 23 girls in the shoe factory, and 5 men and 1 boy on the farm in High Street.

With the rapid growth, and wealth of the shoe manufacturers, he built a new house in 1887 for his growing family. It was called 'Eastfields' and there George and Amelia brought up a large family.

The original Farm House was sold to Robert Marriot who then let the house to the Misses Smith for their school. Some of the farm buildings were on the opposite side of the road as shown on the plan below [plan for a 1881 sale]. George had most of his land on the east side of High Street, adjoining Laughton's Farm.

1881 Plan Showing West Street and High Street The open ground was where John Cave built his new factory following the 1901 fire, and behind was a sports ground and pavilion (now Wilko car park).

In 1906 he let a further portion of land to Mr Seckington whose nursery was at 86 High Street:

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 25th 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 25th 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