Townsends site looking towards Crabb Street c1950 and a Yorks bus
The company started in 1919, first as carriers at Park Place, and gradually expanded into vehicle repairs and sales.
By 1948 the garage buisness was separated as G C Townsend & Son as Haulage Contractors and Furniture Removers and as Townsends (Garages) Ltd at 54 High Street South. They took over the site where Lewis' blacksmiths once stood, and were dealing in Ford and Fordson.
In 1953 the original building (demolished in 1954) is clearly seen behind the petrol pumps. In 1967 this area was again cleared and a new forecourt with covered area over the pumps was built.
In 1973 Townsend Carriers was sold off, but the garage business continued, under the direction of Don Gibson, and later his son Robert, until finally closing down in 2006. A sale of all plant, vehicles and equipment was held on November 21st 2006, when over 600 items were auctioned.
Two photographs, courtesy of Rushden Museum
Rushden Echo, 21st March 1919
Staff c1950s - Courtesy of the late Colin Bryant's Collection
Townsend's Garage with two large tankers delivering fuel c1965
This advert is from a book cover for Countryside Libraries Ltd
A postcard advert with blotting paper backing
Aerial view - South End school left and Townsends extensive property right
Townsends (Carriers) Limited pencil
Forecourt and Showroom,
New Reception & Workshop
with parts delivery/collection van
and breakdown truck
and interior of Workshop in 1967
Photos by Willmott Photographic
Courtesy of Clive Wood
