And this gallery of photographs from the Chronicle & Echo’s archives offer a small, but fascinating insight, into the people who helped to put Northampton on the world map for shoemaking.
All the photographs are from our collection of glass plate negatives. Some of the captions are very brief and without detail, if you have information about any of the pictures featured, please email [email protected]

9. Looking Back Shoemaker Special
Workers at Church's shoe factory, date unknown Photo: Chron

10. Looking Back Shoemaker Special
This could be the Lotus shoemaker factory in 1966 Photo: Chron

11. Looking Back Shoemaker Special
Allinsons shoe factory, centenary celebrations, in October 1980 Photo: Chron

12. Looking Back Shoemaker Special
Benson's closing room at shoe factory in December 1966 Photo: Chron
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