Thomas Ward was born at Belton in Rutland c1834, and was living there in 1861 with his brother Francis who was a baker. Later that year he married Elizabeth, and they soon moved to Higham Ferrers where they had two children Charles Godfrey and Annie Elizabeth, and Thomas traded as a grocer.
The family moved to Rushden, in the 1870s.
In 1881 he was trading as a grocer, ironmonger and master druggist in the High Street, Rushden.
During construction in 1898
c1900 (from the rigth) Wards, Busby & Co and C E Knight
Adverts for Hudson's Soap and Colman's Mustard
on the wall near the corner
Ward's Stores c1910 and the postbox on the corner
C G Ward
Family Grocer
Wine & Spirit Merchant
Rushden
After his father died in 1890, Charles Godfrey Ward took over the grocery, and built the splendid property on the corner of High Street in 1898. In 1914 the business suffered bankruptcy. [It continued trading into the 1930s under the name of Ward, so perhaps Charles overcame the bankruptcy?]
The plaque on the Newton Road part of the property declares C G Ward built it in 1898
2/4 High Street - corner of Newton Road
On parade day in the 1920's with the blinds down
Later with six large windows and double doors
Advert in Rushden Echo, Xmas 1922
The House for Quality
Ground Almonds 2/- lb.
Icing Sugar, Valentia Almonds
Spanish Nuts 6d.lb.
Raisins from 6d. lb.
See windows : Ward’s Stores
(near the Church) Rushden
