# Rumbold — The History of Mr. Polly character guide

> Rumbold in The History of Mr. Polly by H. G. Wells.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mr. Rumbold, Old Rumbold, old Rumbold

**First appearance:** 0000-i-beginnings-and-the-bazaar

## Who they are

A draper and Mr. Polly's early employer.

## Relationships

### [Mr. Polly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/mr_polly)

_professional_

Rumbold is Mr. Polly's employer at the draper's shop, representing the oppressive working conditions Mr. Polly resents.

### [Mr. Polly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/mr_polly)

_professional_

Rumbold is Mr. Polly's employer at the draper's shop, representing the oppressive working conditions Mr. Polly resents.

### [Mr. Polly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/mr_polly)

_professional_

Rumbold is Mr. Polly's employer at the draper's shop, representing the oppressive working conditions Mr. Polly resents.

## In the story

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iv)

The china dealer next door; his habit of unpacking crates with his back to Mr. Polly sparks a confrontation and a fifteen-year feud.

### [VIII: Making an End to Things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/viii-making-an-end-to-things)

Fellow tradesman who praises Mr. Polly's bravery and discusses insurance.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/ii)

Mentioned as the neighbor whose deaf mother-in-law is upstairs, prompting Mr. Polly to bang on his door.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iii)

His house is on fire; he is away on a walk to Downford.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/iv)

Mr. Rumbold is mentioned as the quiet owner of the building, later seen in tears.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/chapters/v)

A fellow tradesman who thanks Mr. Polly profusely and suggests he deserves a medal.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters/rumbold
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_mr_polly_se/characters