I thought it might be of interest for the website – as it’s about the building of Rushden and other local sewers and also the roads of Church Street Rushden and most of the old streets of the town.

The Wilmott family were family friends of my grandmother who lived in Thrift Cottages (just off Wellingborough Road/Fitzwilliam Street) from 1900 to 1925. That would be the reason for her keeping the cutting.

As the article was not dated I have carried out some research as follows:-

Mr. William George Wilmott was born in Chelsea in 1869. However his parents Thomas and Amelia Wilmott were both born in Rushden. Thomas born about 1835 and Amelia about 1838. Thomas obviously moved to London for a while to work as mentioned in the article (hence the birth of William there possibly). However by 1871 Amelia was living in Rushden with her son William George aged 1 and his brother Thomas aged 3 (who had been born in Rushden). Their father was not on the census with them. He must have been working away still!

1881 census (sch.146c) – Thomas and Amelia were living in Duck Street. He was a carman employing 4 men and 1 boy. Son William was aged 11 and still a scholar at this time.

1891 census – Thomas and Amelia living in Fitzwilliam Street (next to the old Primitive Methodist Chapel) Thomas aged 56 and a carman and contractor – employer.

1901 census – Thomas aged 66 – Retired road contractor – Living in Wellingborough Road (just before Fitzwilliam St) with wife Amelia. They had a servant, living in.

Thomas died 1907.

In 1891 William Wilmott aged 21 was married to Emma also aged 21 and living in Wellingborough Road, Rushden. His occupation was carman and contractor’s son.

The couple had children Florrie aged 3 & Herbert 9 months (He eventually took over the business in 1923 according to the newsclip)

1901 census – William and Emma were living at 10 Fitzwilliam Street with children Florrie 13, Herbert 10, Gladys 11 months. (They were to have a further son at least – William in the early 1900’s). William George was aged 32 and a Contractor (Road and Sewage|) Employer.

William George Wilmott died and was buried at Rushden Cemetery on 15th May 1936. So that would date the newspaper cutting to 1936.

However – Looking at other records - Trade Directories - on the website I found the following info on the family:-

Thomas Wilmott was first listed in the 1885 edition as a Builder.

Thomas listed in 1890 edition as Carman and General Contractor.

Thomas 1895 Resident edition – living in Wellingborough Rd, Rushden.

Thomas Senior – no longer listed in business edition.

Thomas Junior – In 1898 edition has taken over – listed as Builder & Contractor.- Newton Road.

His brother William George – 1898 – Carman Fitzwilliam St.

Both brothers are listed with the same telephone number 125 in the 1900’s.

By 1920 – William George listed as Road, Sewer, Tar Paving and Public Works Contractor.

Brother Thomas 1920 – Builder & Contractor – 28 Newton Road.

The 1924 edition lists Herbert (William’s Son) as Builder, Road, Sewer, Tar Paving & Public Works Contractor & Stone, Sand, & Gravel Merchant. – Fitzwilliam Street.

He is still listed as the same in 1940.

The address of Dulce Domum – was the home of William George and his wife and family from at least as early as 1910. See the greeting card sent to my grandmother from William’s son and daughter Gladys and Willie! Apparently it is situated somewhere near to St Peter’s Avenue on Wellingborough Road.

	The Xmas Card, found with the newspaper cutting of the obituary for W G Wilmott, was sent to Donna's Grandmother in 1910.

Also the web site reveals that Council Plans were applied for by the family 1920-24:-

Plan no 1617 – Harness Room and Open Shed August 1920 – Fitzwilliam St.

W.G. Wilmott – Open Shed – Midland Road – 1921 October

W.G. Wilmott – Motor Garage – Midland Road Nov 1921.

Hope you may find the above of use. The family certainly built up their businesses over the years to become quite large by the look of it!

These are only notes for you to make something of if you want to. I enjoyed the research and it goes to prove how useful the website can be for such things.

Regards - Donna