Makers of Fine Shoes
Since 1879
Founded in 1879 in Northampton, at the heart of England's most famous shoemaking town, Crockett & Jones specialise in the manufacture of high quality Goodyear welted footwear.
Our story
Since 1879 Crockett & Jones has produced some of the world’s finest footwear from their factory in Northampton, the shoemaking capital of England. To this current day, the business is owned and managed by the founding family, who emphasise quality and timeless style above all else.
THE HOME OF FINE ENGLISH SHOES
Northampton, situated in the heart of England, is a town renowned for its shoe industry – the history of which goes back hundreds of years.
Cordwainers (a medieval term for shoemakers) were first attracted to the county of Northamptonshire because of the area’s thriving tanning industry. Every village and town within the county had its own cordwainers, the number of whom would continue to grow throughout the middle ages.
By 1642, the reputation of Northampton town had grown so much that 13 shoemakers were commissioned to produce 600 pairs of boots and 4000 pairs of shoes for England’s army going to Ireland. The order was fulfilled and it was now known that the town possessed the ability to produce footwear on a large scale.
The industry continued to flourish, propelled by previous successes, arguably in line with necessities of war. The town was called upon to produce army boots for multiple wars from the English Civil War to the Boer War centuries later. Demand for Northampton shoes became so strong that by the year 1841 there were 1,821 shoe makers in the town. Machinery would soon follow enabling footwear to be produced on an industrial scale.
FIRST GENERATION
Crockett & Jones was established in 1879 by two brother in laws, James Crockett & Charles Jones. James was raised by his grandfather Henry Marshall, who was a boot and shoe manufacturer in Northampton. James left school at the age of 10 to work as an errand boy before becoming an apprentice clicker. He would go on to work as a shoe maker in Worcester, London and Birmingham.
Charles, meanwhile, was from a long line (at least 3 generations) of respectable shoemakers in Northamptonshire, and was himself a clicker by trade. He married James’ younger sister, Annie Marshall – a shoe fitter, in 1873.
Six years after this marriage, James and Charles decided to go into business together but they lacked the necessary funds to open a factory. To overcome this, they applied for, and were granted, a sum of £100 each from the Thomas White Trust which was established to ‘encourage young men of good character in the towns of Northampton and Coventry to set up business on their own’.
The first Crockett & Jones factory was a small building on Exeter Road, Northampton which housed the initial 20 employees. Family was crucial from the start as the firm employed two of Charles’ brothers, his sister and his wife.
Leathers were cut at the factory before being distributed to out-workers, who would take the parts home, complete their process and then return all components to the factory, where the shoes or boots could be completed.
Business flourished and production needed to expand, so in the early 1880s Crockett & Jones moved into premises on Carey Street allowing more and more work to be done inside the factory.
Here they would install the latest machinery invented by Charles Goodyear from the USA for stitching the upper and insole to a welt. This made the process much easier and faster whilst also providing a superior construction. It would be known as Goodyear-welting.
SECOND GENERATION
With the arrival of the 1890s came the 2nd generation of family to join the business; Harry Crockett, Fred Crockett and Frank Jones – sons of James and Charles respectively. James Crockett and Charles Jones again recognised the need to find a larger factory for continued expansion of the business. By 1891 they had relocated to a new factory in Magee Street, where the company continues to produce footwear to this day.
Growth continued and although the majority of the shoes were sold in the home market, the company was beginning to develop an important export market by ‘following the flag’ through the British Empire. The continued success meant the relatively new factory was soon reaching its production capacity.
So, in 1910, a 5-storey factory expansion commenced that was the first steel structured building in Northampton. It benefited from a huge proportion of glass to give superb natural lighting for production – an asset which is still integral for the workforce. Crockett & Jones now had an established reputation as one of the best shoe makers in the country and in 1911 were awarded the Diploma of Honour at the International Manufacturing Exhibition in Turin for their footwear designs.
In the same year as this success, James’ youngest son Clifden Crockett joined the company, followed a year later by Percy Jones, Charles’ youngest son. The quality and reputation of Crockett & Jones footwear at this time had become so revered that the firm was asked to provide specially designed boots for an Antarctic expedition. They proved so successful that C&J was requested to produce boots a 2nd time for the Shackleton Endurance Expedition in 1914.
When the First World War broke out, both Clifden Crockett and Percy Jones were called upon to serve their country, and, in a sense, so was Crockett & Jones. The company manufactured boots for the army, with production increasing so that over 600,000 pairs were being made in a year.
Sadly, Clifden was killed in action in 1916 during the Battle of Pozieres Ridge aged just 22. Percy however was lucky enough to return to Crockett & Jones after the war, and would become a partner within 4 years. 1924 was a year of great pride for all at the company. Crockett & Jones was honoured with a visit from the future King George VI who paid great attention to the shoe making process on a tour around the factory, led by recently knighted Sir James Crockett.
THIRD GENERATION
In 1927 Gilbert Jones, son of Frank, joined Crockett & Jones. There were now 3 generations working together for the first time, truly cementing the status of Crockett & Jones as a family company.
The period after the First World War was one of consolidation for the UK as the home market was beginning to change, increasingly influenced by fashion. The demand for women’s shoes had grown over the years and was in fact so strong that ladies’ footwear would soon account for more than 60% of total production at Crockett & Jones.
As the company continued to grow, a second wing was added to the factory in 1935 to provide a new office block, showroom and in-stock department. The original front door was moved from Magee Street to Perry Street where it is still used as the main entrance today, retaining its impressive 1930s Art Deco design.
Soon, war would again rear its ugly head, and Crockett & Jones would be called upon once more to manufacture shoes and boots for the armed forces. In fact, the company made over 1 million pairs over the course of the war, and, as many of the workforce left to fight, many retired men and married women returned to work as part of the war effort.
After the war, in 1946, Clifton Crockett, grandson of Sir James, joined the company. He would stay for 6 years before leaving in 1952, making him the last member of the Crockett family to work at Crockett & Jones. A year later, in 1947, Richard Jones, son of Percy and grandson of founder Charles, joined the business after serving in the Royal Navy.
The post war era once again led to some interesting changes in market tastes in the UK with everchanging ‘fashions’. This, combined with the effects of war on the supply of materials and ability to export, meant Crockett & Jones had to reassess its position in the marketplace.
Throughout the 1950s the bulk of production was sold in the home market, although the overseas market had begun to expand again so that by 1962 around 18-19% of the total output was exported. By this time, production focus had returned more to producing men’s shoes.
Beginning in the 70s, times proved to be much harder for the Northampton shoe industry with increased competition from the global markets, predominantly in the form of cheaper imports. There still remained more than 100 small family firms making shoes in Northampton, a significant number but a huge reduction nonetheless from the early 1900s.
FOURTH GENERATION
1977 saw Jonathan Jones, son of Richard and great grandson of Charles Jones, join the company, at a time when exports had increased to about 30% of the output and the vast majority of production, around 80%, was made up of men’s shoes. However, the company sensed that there would be tougher times ahead for the industry so over the coming years the collections were re-defined and the focus would be placed on producing only the highest quality men’s Goodyear-welted footwear.
As standards continually improved, so did the reputation of the brand and export sales in Europe, USA and Japan were gradually developed with a move away from the commonwealth markets.
As the business began to build again over the next decade, exports reached 70% of the overall production and in 1990 Crockett & Jones was awarded the coveted Queen’s Award for Export Achievement.
Through the 90s the reputation of Crockett & Jones brand as a signal of quality had grown, and so it was decided to re-visit the company’s long standing interest in retail. In 1997 Crockett & Jones opened their first standalone retail shop in Jermyn Street, London. Over the following years, the retail network would expand to establish more shops in London as well as in Paris, New York, Brussels and Birmingham.
In 2004 the factory in Perry Street, one of the few remaining working shoe factories, became designated a Grade II listed building in order to help preserve the history of the shoe trade in Northampton.
After a previous career in farming, Nicholas Jones, Richard’s son and Jonathan’s brother, began working at Crockett & Jones in 2005 as Production Director. He would be the last member of the fourth generation to join the company.
FIFTH GENERATION
2006 saw the first member of the fifth generation, Philippa Jones, daughter of Jonathan, join the company at the age of just 21. After a short stint working in our London flagship retail stores, Philippa eventually returned to head office operations to fulfil her role as Export Sales Manager. In 2015, she would be followed by her brother William Jones, UK Sale Manager and in quick succession, Oliver Jones (son of Nicholas), would take the post as Operations Manager in 2016. This meant five members of the same family, all direct descendants of Charles Jones, working together.
The early part of the century also saw expansion of the retail division which, together with the on-going development of worldwide distribution (export accounting for about 70% of production), led to the brand increasing its international renown. As awareness continued to grow, a new partnership was formed. From 2012, Crockett & Jones would be James Bond’s footwear of choice for the films Skyfall, Spectre and the much anticipated No Time To Die. A limited edition product, called James, was launched in collaboration with EON Productions as the brand became an official partner to the James Bond franchise.
Between these films, there was other exciting news. In 2013, 89 years after King George VI visited the factory, His Royal Highness Charles, Prince of Wales would follow in his grandfathers' footsteps as part of a nationwide tour to highlight the importance of encouraging young people into manufacturing. Crockett & Jones was delighted to welcome another member of the royal family, especially with the cause in mind - one of many shared values. As the relationship evolved, in 2017, Crockett & Jones was honoured to be awarded a Royal Warrant by HRH The Prince of Wales as a Manufacturer and Supplier of Footwear. This was a very proud moment for the company as it recognised the ongoing commitment to producing footwear of the highest quality, by the most talented craftspeople.
Indeed, it is the very same commitment that ultimately led, two years later, in 2019, to Crockett & Jones celebrating its 140th year; a feat which proves that Goodyear Welted footwear truly stands the test of time. After more than 140 years, C&J shoes still retain the attention to detail, quality, comfort and durability that was the hallmark of their founders, Sir James Crockett and Charles Jones.
Unfortunately, as 2020 unfolded, the world was exposed to the devastating and ongoing impacts of COVID-19. As no corner of the world escaped, business was severely impacted as people were ordered to stay at home and refrain from normal day to day life. This meant intermittent store closures and a 3 month factory shutdown. However, steely determination and a fighting spirit meant the business was able to struggle on in the long wait for the worst to be over. It had survived two World Wars after all.
1879
AND SO THE STORY BEGINS…
Crockett & Jones was founded by James Crockett & Charles Jones with a workshop on Exeter Road in Northampton. Later moving to a factory on Carey Street, pictured here.
1890
A NEW CHAPTER
Crockett & Jones moved into larger premises on Magee Street, Northampton, where the company still resides to this day.
1891
SONS OF THE FOUNDERS
Harry Crockett, Fred Crockett and Frank Jones (all sons of the founders) join the company.
1900
WORLDWIDE EXPORTING
Crockett & Jones exported to Argentina, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, USA and, later, Egypt, the Far East and India.
1910
EXPANSION
A 5-story wing was added to the factory. With tales of younger Jones’ (to be directors of the company) walking along the steel frame as boys.
1911
WORLD RECOGNITION
Crockett & Jones was awarded the Diploma of Honour for design at the International Manufacturing Exhibition of Turin. Clifden Crockett, youngest son of James, joined the business.
1912
MR PERCY
Percy Jones, youngest son of Charles, joined the business. He would go on to work at Crockett & Jones for 67 years making him the longest serving member of the company.
1914
SHACKLETON
Crockett & Jones footwear was used for the 2nd time on the Shackleton Endurance Expedition.
1915
WW1
Crockett & Jones manufactured boots for the British Army throughout World War 1.
1924
ROYAL PATRONAGE
Crockett & Jones was honoured with Royal Patronage in 1924 – a visit to the factory by the Duke of York (later King George VI).
1927
3RD GENERATION
Gilbert Jones, son of Frank Jones, joined as the first of the 3rd generation.
1935
EXPANDING ONCE AGAIN
A second wing was added to the factory. The main entrance was moved from Magee Street to Perry street.
1947
MR RICHARD
Richard Jones, son of Percy Jones, started in the family business.
1955
NATIONAL ADVERTISING
A strong national advertising campaign was underway with around 80% of the total production sold in the UK. Of the exported production, the majority was shipped to Commonwealth countries.
1977
MR JONES
Jonathan Jones, son of Richard Jones, joined the company as the first member of the 4th generation.
1990
QUEENS AWARD
Crockett & Jones received the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement. In commemoration to the Silver Jubilee of the Queen’s Award Scheme.
1997
JERMYN STREET, LONDON
A retail legacy begins… the first Crockett & Jones retail shop opens on Jermyn Street, London.
1998
LA MADELEINE, PARIS
Soon after our first shop, a partnership is struck in Paris to build and strengthen an already growing French market. Crockett & Jones opens a retail shop on Rue Chauveau Lagarde, Paris.
2000
ROYAL EXCHANGE, CITY OF LONDON
A 2nd London shop was opened in Royal Exchange in the City of London.
2001
BURLINGTON ARCADE, LONDON
An historic location that dates back to 1819, the Burlington Arcade was the perfect location for our 3rd London shop.
2005
RIVE GAUCHE, PARIS
Nicholas Jones, son of Richard, joins the company as Production Director and Crockett & Jones opened their 2nd shop in Paris on Boulevard Raspail.
2006
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND
Philippa Jones, daughter of Jonathan, joins the company as the first member of the fifth generation and Crockett & Jones opens their first shop in the UK outside of London on Colmore Row in Birmingham, UK.
2008
RETAIL EXPANSION, BRUSSELS
Crockett & Jones opened a shop on Rue de Namir in Brussels.
2010
A RETAIL MILESTONE, NEW YORK
The first Crockett & Jones shop in New York was opened at 7 West 56th Street.
2011
RETAIL FLAGSHIP, JERMYN STREET
Crockett & Jones opened their largest shop to date at 92 Jermyn Street, London to become the new ‘flagship’ for the UK.
2012 A
KNIGHTSBRIDGE, LONDON
Crockett & Jones opens their 5th standalone shop in London and 10th worldwide in Knightsbridge.
2012 B
JAMES BOND, SKYFALL
Crockett & Jones proudly supply 4 styles for the James Bond film SKYFALL and gains further worldwide recognition.
2013
ROYAL PATRONAGE
HRH The Prince of Wales visited the factory as part of a two-day nationwide tour of the UK highlighting the importance of encouraging young people into manufacturing.
2014
CANARY WHARF, LONDON
Crockett & Jones opened their 6th London shop in the heart of Canary Wharf’s Cabot Place.
2015 A
WOMENS COLLECTION
A new Ladies Collection is launched and William Jones, Jonathans' son, joins the company.
2015 B
JAMES BOND, SPECTRE
Once again, Crockett & Jones is pleased to supply a selection of styles for a James Bond film. SPECTRE.
2016
LE MARAIS, PARIS
Crockett & Jones announces the opening of its latest shop in the heart of Paris in Le Marais region.
2017 A
Royal Warrant
In April 2017 Crockett & Jones was proudly awarded a Royal Warrant by HRH The Prince of Wales.
2017 B
5th GENERATION
Oliver Jones, son of Nicholas, joins the company becoming the 3rd member of the 5th Generation alongside Philippa and William.
2019 A
140TH ANNIVERSARY
Crockett & Jones celebrates its 140th Anniversary, launching a capsule collection paying homage to the streets where the Northampton factory resides – MAGEE, TURNER and PERRY.
2019 B
SOHO, NEW YORK
Crockett & Jones opened their 2nd New York shop in the heart of Lower Manhattan, SoHo.
2020
JAMES BOND, NO TIME TO DIE
Crockett & Jones proudly announces its official partnership with EON Productions, the makers of the James Bond films. Supplying two styles for No Time To Die and launching their limited edition 007 style, JAMES.
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2020
The Show Room
The Clicking Room
The Welting Department
Roughstuff Press Room
The Finishing Department
