Rushden Research Group: C H Blunsom

C H Blunsom

Blunsom Son & Co.

Charles Henry Blunsom, of Kettering, married Gertrude Belfield Clay (born at Ilkeston, DBY) in 1907, and a year later they had a son, Philip.

The business was at 39 High Street in 1908 and moved to Station Approach about 1925 where it continued until at least 1973.

39 High Street

Only half the picture, but shows one of the assistants with a lad to their left....

1910 Phillipson's Directory

In 1913 he was one of seven councillors and members of the Liberal Party, writing a letter to the electorate, setting out their pre-election targets for the town, education and trade.

He had moved to “Cotmanhay,” Wellingborough-road Rushden. [now 268]

In WWI he was a conscientious objector, and agreed to work on the land for two days per week.

C. H. Blunsom

Rushden Echo, 21^st June 1918

Military Tribunal - The Volunteer Condition

Monday, present Messrs. T. Swindall (chairman), F. Knight, J.P., C. Bates, C. W. Horrell, and C. Cross, C.C., with Mr. G. S. Mason (clerk) and Mr. J. S. Mason (National Service representative).

An application was made by C. H. Blunsom, outfitter, a conscientious objector, who had been granted exemption on occupational grounds, on condition that he joined the Special Constables or the V.T.C. Mr. Blunsom stated that he had applied to be enrolled as a Special Constable, but that he had been refused, as men were not being taken now unless they were over 51 years of age. The Volunteer condition was waived on an understanding by Mr. Blunsom to put in two days work a week on the land.

Rushden Echo, 18th January 1918, transcribed by Kay Collins

Honoured — Pte. John Green, of the Labour Battalion (formerly assistant to Mr. C. H. Blunsom, tailor and outfitter, Rushden) has, we are pleased to report, been mentioned in dispatches for meritorious work as stretch-bearer on the field.

1921 advert

Rushden Echo, January 4^th 1924, transcribed by Kay Collins

America “Heard” at Rushden
Mr. P. Blunsom, of “Cotmanhay,” Wellingborough-road, Rushden, received good telephony from Pittsburgh on a self-made single valve wireless set, relayed by 2 L O (London Broadcasting Station), on Saturday night. This is a very good test at this distance, especially with a one-valve set. We also understand that many other Rushden amateurs have received telephony direct from America.

39 High Street c1920

Advert - September 1924

sign on Rushden Railway Station

Advertises : retailers for over 100 years.
The building opposite the station,was demolished c1970 for a gateway to the
yard - now a builders' merchants.

The High Street shop was then taken over as Doffman's, but soon became A Flavel's.

Index of all Traders