Category Archives: Bostock

Strikes and sewing machines

Posted on 31/01/2011 by shoead

Before 1855, most shoemaking processes took place in people’s homes, with outworkers carrying out work in their own houses. Women and children would sew together the leather uppers, made from pieces of thin leather, while men would carry out the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bostock, Stafford, Stone, Strike, Working life | Leave a comment

Henry Venables Ltd, Timber Merchants

Posted on 20/01/2011 by shoead

Henry Venables founded his timber business in Foregate Street, next to Bostock’s shoe manufactory. He made wooden packing cases for the export of shoes. The export trade to Australia was then at its height. He was born in Stafford in … Continue reading →

Posted in Associated industries, Bostock, Stafford | Leave a comment

Lotus Ltd

Posted on 17/12/2010 by shoead

For most of its life, Lotus Ltd was the biggest shoe manufacturer in Stafford and Stone. The closure of the Stafford factory in late 1998 effectively ended the area’s long history of shoemaking. The company’s origins lie with Thomas Bostock … Continue reading →

Posted in Boot & shoe making companies, Bostock, Lotus, Stafford, Stone, Strike, Working life | 27 Comments