Joseph Hopson established a furniture business in 1854, which offered delivery services to customers’ homes, marking the inception of removals services. Meanwhile, in 1886, Alfred Camp inaugurated his Drapery Bazaar on Northbrook Street. These enterprises operated independently until the marriage of Paul Hopson, Joseph’s grandson, to Norah Camp, Alfred’s daughter, in 1920. Consequently, the businesses merged, giving rise to Camp Hopson, encompassing not only removals services but also the prosperous Camp Hopson department store, which continues to thrive in Newbury. Subsequently, Camp Hopson expanded its offerings to include funeral services, with a dedicated location at 90 West Street.

The history of Camp Hopson traces back to the 19th century when Joseph Hopson and Alfred Camp established separate businesses in Newbury. Their eventual union through the marriage of Paul Hopson and Norah Camp led to the formation of Camp Hopson, an entity that not only pioneered removals services but also flourished as a prominent department store in the area. Over time, the company diversified its operations, venturing into funeral services with a dedicated establishment on West Street, thereby solidifying its presence and contributing to the fabric of Newbury’s commercial landscape.