The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers

www.pattenmakers.co.uk

Court & Stewards' Dinner
January 2012, Brewers' Hall, London

  

The Eleventh Annual Footwear Dinner
March 2011, Carpenters' Hall, London

  

  

It is not possible to trace the origin of this Company but there is no doubt that it existed as an unincorporated fellowship at a very remote period. The trade of Pattenmaking was at one time a thriving industry in the City of London, and, according to Stow, in his “Survey of the Cities of London and Westminster”, was probably carried on in what now is Rood Lane, but which was formerly known as St. Margaret Pattens Lane, in which the church, known to this day as St. Margaret Pattens, still stands.

The mystery of “Patynmakers” was first mentioned in the City records in the year 1379.  Shortly after this period the mystery was combined with those of the Pouchemakers and Galochemakers.

In the year 1517 the Pouchemakers were authorised by the Court of Aldermen to unite and be translated into the Leathersellers’ Company, and since that date the mysteries of the Galochemakers and Patynmakers have been combined as a separate body under the title of Pattenmakers.

The Company was incorporated by Charles II on August 2nd, 1670. The charter associated all persons using the art or mystery of making Pattens or Clogs within the cities of London and Westminster, and ten miles every way distant therefrom, as the Master, Wardens, Assistants and Fellowship of the Company of Pattenmakers of the City of London, with power to make bye-laws for the government of its members, and for the regulation of the trade, and to impose fines for offenses against such bye-laws.

The Court of Aldermen, by an order dated 1674, decreed that all persons using the trade of Pattenmakers were to he admitted to the freedom of the City of London.

The Company was granted Livery by the Court of Aldermen on the 26th March 1717.

Owing to the improved paving of the streets the wearing of pattens in London became less customary and the trade gradually fell into desuetude. While the charitable and social functions of the Company have continued in full operation, the powers conferred by Charter have not been exercised since the early part of the 19th Century. A sketch of a patten is shown on the inside rear cover of this menu. (web note - see above)

The recent history of the Company has been one of expansion in numbers authorised through a supplemental Charter, together with a much closer association with the shoe trade. Its charitable activities have also greatly expanded and include support for young managers in the footwear industry, the armed forces, orthopaedic footwear, bursaries and grants to universities and schools and support to the mayoralty and civic life of the City of London.