Rushden Research Group: Dunkley's hairdressers

Dunkley - hairdresser & tobacconist

71a High Street

Council plans were passed for A C Ashby to build two shops in High Street in 1889. Here he began his drapery and tailoring business. Then a further plan was passed for a house and shop in 1895, and he moved to 80 High Street.

71 & 73 High Street c1905

Cash and Co. took over this shop and W Howard opened a hairdresser and tobacconist's about 1903. He had come her about 1900 from Bury, HUN, and at first was boarding with C H Knight at 1 High Street, where he was an assistant hairdresser. Charles Clarke who had a salon in Wellingborough Road moved into this shop about 1908, but didn't stay long.

Edwin Dunkley was advertising in Kelly's Directory at the address in 1910.

Edwin John Dunkley was living at Wellingborough in December 1905 when he, and his father, John, signed his apprenticeship document, to learn "the Art trade or business of Hairdresser and tobacconist" from John William Harry Allured of 28 Cambridge Street, Wellingborough. The term of the apprenticeship was three years, and he would be paid three shillings a week in the first year, four shillings a week in the second year and six shillings a week during the third year.
(below) His apprenticeship document and a reference

Memo of reference (below): "To all whom it may concern. Edwin John Dunkley of 53 Gordon Road Wellingborough has been in my employ 3 years ending Dec 11/08; and during that time he has conducted himself in a most satisfactory manner, being Sober, Industrious, Clean & very Honest."

Edwin in WWI in the RFA

The business was begun c1910 by Edwin J Dunkley, and he continued into WWII.

Edwin was born at Wellingborough, son of John, a currier. He married Ethel Kate Fensome, daughter of George and Deborah, who had come to Rushden from Bedfordshire, and worked in the shoetrade. George was a leather merchant.

Edwin and Ethel married on 12th October 1916 at the Wesleyan Church.

In September 1916 he applied, but was denied exemption, Edwin served until he was demobbed in 1919.

Printed on the back of the envelope below:

This cover is supplied for Player's "Weights" Cigarettes only, and must not be used for any other goods.

His business card

Cigarette envelope

A tobacco envelope

The shop & the Rose & Crown and the Post Office
before High Street was widened in 1910

Edwin behind the shop c1920s

Invoice Heading - Cigarette Manufacturer

Nothing is known about his making cigarettes
save this invoice header.

Edwin and Ethel had a son, Donald George, born in 1920.

Donald joined the business, and he also sold stamps with the tobacco in the shop, with the hairdressing department beyond.

From a lease and related papers seen, annual rent for this shop was increased to £78 in 1947.
(Don often left a customer in mid-shave to serve a shop customer!)

The shop closed in 1992.

This boot scraper can be seen in the picture (right) under the window, and survives in 2023. Men coming from farms or gardens could clean their boots before going into the shop.

There are three shop doors - for Gill's fruit and vegetables, Hairwaves (upstairs) and Mr Dunkley's adjoining the Rose and Crown c1980

more Hairdressers

Index of all Traders