Monument record 7196/5 - Ivy Boot Works: Co-operative Society Boot and Shoe Factory

The Higham Ferrers Co-operative shoe factory, that was known as the Ivy Boot Works, was built during 1904 on a corner plot fronting Kimbolton Road to the south with a west return along Chichele Street. Originally, it consisted of three storeys with a south front of six pier and panel bays. The factory is constructed of orange brick with a mixture of blue brick, buff brick and limestone dressings. The roof has been relaid with concrete tiles. The majority of the windows retain cast iron frames. The principal entrance is in the westernmost bay, which is differentiated by being carried up to a shallow gable incorporating a keyed oculus with the date 1904. The plain works entrance is placed centrally in the easternmost bay. Latterly used by a leather merchant and demolished in 2008.

Ivy Boot Works, Higham Ferrers Co-operative Society Boot and Shoe Productive Society Factory, Kimbolton Road
The society was founded in 1892 - a true co-operative with nearly everyone in the town taking a small share. Would appear to be boot and shoe on corner of Kimbolton Road and Chichele Street, which was built in 1904. Very functional appearance. Number of different phases indicated by use of different types / colours of brick. Now utilised by Colin Cross Leather Merchants. Film 1, photo 21-22 (1)

{3} The Higham Ferrers Co-operative shoe factory, that was known as the Ivy Boot Works, was built during 1904 on a corner plot fronting Kimbolton Road to the south with a west return along Chichele Street. Originally, it consisted of three storeys with a south front of six pier and panel bays. The factory is constructed of orange brick with a mixture of blue brick, buff brick and limestone dressings. The roof has been relaid with concrete tiles. The majority of the windows retain cast iron frames. The principal entrance is in the westernmost bay, which is differentiated by being carried up to a shallow gable incorporating a keyed oculus with the date 1904. The plain works entrance is placed centrally in the easternmost bay.

<1> Ballinger J., 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Industrial Period, (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN4.

<2> Rushden & District History Society, 2007, Rushden Research, Ivy Boot Works (Website). SNN112031.

<3> Historic England, Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments- Building File (Oral Report). SNN71057.

<4> ENGLISH HERITAGE, 2000, Northamptonshire Boot and Shoe Survey, Site HIGH1 (Catalogue). SNN105075.

<5> Historic England, Colin Cross & Co Ltd., 77 Kimbolton Road (formerly Ivy Boot Works), Higham Ferrers, BF103893 (Archive). SNN115439.

<6> Historic England, Undated, Northampton Boot and Shoe Industry Project, EHC01/044 (Archive). SNN113277.

Record last edited

Sep 8 2023 2:49PM