Arthur Timpson on his horse

Arthur Timpson was born in 1891, the third of six sons of William and Elizabeth. William was born at Mears Ashby and his wife was from Hinwick. The two eldest sons, George and Herbert, were born at Mears Ashby and like their father, went into the shoe trade. Arthur was the first child born in Rushden, and was followed five years later by Walter, then Harold in 1898 and Albert in 1900. The family settled in Rushden sometime between 1885 and 1890, at first living in Succoth Yard, and later moving to Wentworth Road.

Arthur was living at 3 Moor Road when, on 21st April 1915, he signed his attestation paper and joined the Northamptonshire Yeomanry. During the war he served as a batman. He went to France in July 1916, and was wounded in 1918. Arthur was demobbed in February 1919.

His youngest brother, Albert was a member of the fire brigade when horses were still used, soon after WWI. He eventually became chief fire officer at Rushden Fire Station in 1936, and retired in 1958.