FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2019 | ISSUE 2019 | #<strong>76</strong> ISSUE | #<strong>76</strong> HISTORY The Most Expensive Cap in the world... Herbert Rumsey Wells became a partner in his father’s company T Wells & Son of 4 St Andrews Street, Norwich in 1904 selling caps, hats, ties, badges, sashes and ribbons. In 1914 Herbert introduced the first ever semi-soft service cap for Officers. He was so proud of his city and his country that he gave his caps local names, which were the Brancaster, the Blofield, the Westwick, the Conesford, the Wellscap, the Yare, the Reepham, the Burgh, the Wroxham and the Plumstead. Ladies products were also included, with the Rumishanter and matching scarf and for Norfolk schoolboys there was the Sprowston. By 1935 the company was described as being the most expensive capmaker in the word. There was also a branch in Cheapside, London. The company which was then called T Wells can be traced back to 1815 when Mr Wells had premises at Cockey Lane, Norwich (now London Street) before moving to St Andrews Street during the 1870s. One of the first newspaper adverts placed in the Norwich Mercury stating ‘the company beg to acquaint their friends and the public that they have opened the above situation, where there is now ready for their inspection an elegant and extensive selection of goods’. When Herbert took over adverts became more direct, and one advert stated ‘Some men wear some sort of a cap made from some sort of cloth, cut in some sort of way – the sort of chap you see in railway carriages. They serve their purpose there I suppose, but, if these men knew what awful sights they looked in them, they would have more respect for themselves and consideration for those who have to look at them.’ Herbert invented the ‘Doggie’ which was the Rolls-Royce of the cap world which was made to fit the wearer’s head. A conformateur was used to take measurements, and these were sent across the world to wherever the cap wearer ended up. The business had customers across the Empire and it was claimed they would be recognised by wearing his cap. Ex-patriots would greet them with a hearty handshake saying: ‘I don’t know who the blazes you are, sir, but you’re wearing a Rumsey wells cap, so dash it, come and have a drink!’. Working with many weavers, he came by an 18th century peacock-patterned Norwich design which he offered over five hundred colourings. Herbert received Royal recognition and that his company had been honoured with Royal commands. He travelled around Norwich on his bicycle and supported local charity and cycling organisations and attracted top cycling champions to the city and also produced many cycling equipment. Aged 60, Herbert died in December 1939 with out a fifth generation to take over staff members Edna Watling and Elsie Bugden took over until closing in 1974. Today Herbert is remembered with a blue plaque situated between a residential block of flats named after him and the Rumsey Well public house where the business was situated. By Michael Chandler - Author, Historian, Broadcaster & Features Writer, Restaurant & Food critic. Researcher of old buildings and creator of historical and Corporate DVDs. Contact me @EastAngliaMedia - Mention BOUNCE and receive a 15% discount. 88
FEBRUARY 2019 | ISSUE #<strong>76</strong> YOUR ROUTE TO AN outstanding fUTURE Information Evening Tuesday 5th March 2019 5pm - 7pm Apply Online Today www.eastnorfolk.ac.uk 89