Medieval Leather Shoe, 15th century.
Medieval Leather Shoe, 15th century.
This 15th century leather shoe was found during archaeological excavations in Chequer Street prior to the construction of the Maltings Shopping Centre in 1981. It would have been worn by a 15th century inhabitant of St. Albans.
Medieval shoes were made inside out on a last, stitched along the seams and made without separate heels. This is known as the ‘turnshoe’ method. They were not very waterproof and wooden pattens or overshoes were often worn with them outside the house. Leather working was an important trade in medieval St Albans. French Row was originally known as “Cordwainers Row” i.e. Shoemakers Row.
