H. Rumsey Wells
From Graces Guide
of Norwich. London Office: 3a Bread Street, Cheapside, EC4. Telephone: Norwich 866; London, Central 7233.
- 1879 Thomas Wells was Senior Partner at the firm T. Wells and Son, who manufactured caps and hats. Many prizes were won by Thomas Wells: for making sporting caps - for cycling, boating, riding etc. The business also supplied hats to the Armed Forces such as the Hussars.
- 1904 Thomas' son, Herbert Rumsey became a partner in the firm. At this time, the business was located at 4 St Andrews Street. In addition to caps and hats, the business sold ties, embroidered badges, sashes and ribbons.
- 1914 onwards. Herbert introduced many new styles and he introduced the first semi-soft service cap for Officers. Some of the styles at that time were: the 'Doggie' cap - the Brancaster, the Blofield, the Westwick, the Conesford, the Wellscap, the Yare, the Reepham, the Burgh, the Wroxham and the Plumstead.
- 1929 Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. Manufacturer of "Doggie" Caps for Gentlemen. The most expensive Caps in the world. Hand-cut and Hand-finished from the best Scotch Tweed. (Stand No. S.64)
- 1935 The business continued to advertise their hats as the most expensive in the world.
- 1937 Herbert Rumsey died.
- 1974 The business ceased trading.
Sources of Information
- [1] Norfolk Ancestors
- 1929 British Industries Fair Page 178