Rushden Research Group: F Noble

F Noble - 63 Moor Road

formerly Hewitt & Noble

In 1889 William Hewitt, originally a shoe retailer from London, arrived in Rushden with his wife, their son William jnr. (W F J Hewitt) and his new wife Ellen, and together they bought into the shoe trade, becoming partners in the major shoe company Hewitt and Noble. They bought land at the corner of Wellingborough road and built two houses adjacent to the factory in Glassbrook road.

In 1896 this factory changed its name to Hewitt & Hewitt, and Fred Noble started trading on his own.

Hewitt & Noble factory, Glassbrook Road, in the 1890's became Hewitt & Hyde until a fire in 1904

Rushden Argus, 22^nd December 1899, transcribed by Kay Collins

A Social Evening—The employees of Mr. F. Noble, manufacturer, held their annual tea and social at the Public Hall on Monday evening, when the dividend for the benefit club connected with the firm was paid. About 150 sat down to tea. Mr. F. Noble presided at the entertainment, and during the evening proposed "Success to the sick club."

Other toasts followed and the entertainment programme of songs, recitations and piano solos.

Rushden Echo, 1^st March 1901, transcribed by Kay Collins

A Presentation was made on Saturday to Miss Annie Bates on her leaving the employ of Mr. F. Noble, Moor-road, after eight years’ service at the factory. The presentation consisted of a beautiful silver tea-pot from the girls; a silver jam spoon and butter knife from Miss Noble; and half-a-dozen dessert knives, one dozen tea spoons, two salts and spoons, two mustard spoons, and one pair of cut glass salts from Mr. and Mrs. Noble.

Mr Fred Noble was made bankrupt in 1902, but carried on trading at 57/59 Moor Road. In 1908 his son Robert took over the business, trading as F Noble, and he employed his father until 1911, when the firm was once again bankrupted.

Mr F Noble - obituary 1945

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