Rushden Research Group: Mason's Farm

Mason's Farm


Mason's Farm	Mason's Farm cottages were demolished for the railway track

In 1851 Michael Mason was farming 188 acres, employing six men and three boys. In 1881 the farm was 170 acres and his son Stewart Mason employed five men and two boys. The farm stood at the north end of the High Street, just beyond the railway line.

Michael was a member of Higham Ferrers Association for the Apprehension and prosecution of Felons, &c., in 1837.

Stewart Mason married Ann Mills in 1857 (born at Newport Pagnell) and they had three children; Fanny, George and John.

Stewart died in 1895 and Ann in 1924, and they were buried in grave B679 in Rushden cemetery:-

In memory of Stewart MASON born 2nd January 1832 died 20th August 1895. In memory of Ann MASON wife of Stewart MASON born 18th October 1834 died 16th January 1924.

Extract - Round House: Mr Michael Mason presented the Chestnut tree (on Green in centre). William Clayton dug the hole and John Odell Whitehead planted it. 1861.

Rushden Echo, January 11^th 1924, transcribed by Kay Collins

The Death occurred on Wednesday, at the age of 89, of Mrs. Mason, widow of the late Mr. Stewart Mason.

Elder son of Stewart and Ann, George Stewart Mason was a solicitor, and he was the Town Clerk for many years.

Second son John Smith Mason became an auctioneer.


The Farmhouse	An interior picture

28 February 1874 - Northampton Mercury

RUSHDEN-Sheep Stealing—On Monday night or Tuesday morning last some person or persons killed a ewe sheep in a field belonging to Mr. Mason, between Rushden and Ferrers, and dressed and took away one leg leaving the rest of the carcass in the pen..…...

Extract from Memories of the 1890s - Approaching Rushden from Higham Ferrers, 50 years ago, one passed a few cottages, known as "The Rookery," before coming to Mason's Farm, which was situated where the Victoria Hotel now stands.

The farm was demolished in the early 1900s, and the ground used for a bowling green for the Queen Victoria Hotel, built in 1900 near the railway station.

c1880 - Undated but demolished early 1900s

A straw fire in 1891