Rushden Research Group: Nevilles

Neville's - Tobacconist, Printing & Stationery

The shop in the 1960s


	(above) The shop at 55 High Street c1914 (left) Union Bank to the Palace c1910, perhaps Mr Neville in the shop doorway?


	(above) The Taxi Business and garage in Alfred Street
	(left) The shop in the 1920s, next to the entrance into the Palace Cinema

The business was started by William James Neville at the Green, Rushden in 1908. In 1910 they were at 12 High Street, in 1911 in Church parade, and by 1914 had moved into number 55 in the High Street (pictured left - between a cafe and the Palace Cinema), and they stayed until the shop closed in 1997.

Ross Neville was born in the High Street premises in 1915, and ran a taxi business. In 1938 he bought his first coach, a 20 seater, and ran trips to the seaside and out around the countryside. He ceased this business in 1953 when he took over the High Street shop from his father. It kept all the traditions of personal service, and continued to weigh out tobacco and snuff using beautiful brass scales.

Neville's Coach

The first shop in High Street c1914

As the sales of rolling tobacco and pipe tobacco dropped with the introduction of manufactured cigarettes with filters, so the shop turned to new lines.

The stationery side expanded with gifts such as fountain pen and pencil sets.

The shop was also a booking office for holidays & theatre trips.


One of the little gifts just 5cm tall - supplied by W Neville Specially made for him - Courtesy of Rushden Museum

The Rushden Echo and Argus, 2st June 1956

One of the oldest businesses in Rushden High Street, where the late Mr W J Neville traded extensively in smokers’ requisites, stationery and many other lines, is now extending under the direction of Mr Ross Neville, the founder’s son. Stock, display facilities and customers’ convenience have all increased, thanks to the rebuilding of the premises.

The shop has now a roomy interior, modern in its set-up, but still presenting the friendly atmosphere of a family business.

Ross’s son Roger joined the business in the 1970s and they expanded into the store behind the shop with a new line of greetings cards.

The shop finally closed in June 1997 when Ross retired aged 82. They had an “offer we didn’t feel we should refuse” for the premises. Many of the original fittings were still inside the shop when it was finally cleared.