Seven generations of bootmaking, shaped by tradition, skill and a deep respect for the craft. Discover the story behind Horace Batten Bootmakers, from our early beginnings to the workshop we continue to run today.
The Story of
Horace Batten
Discover the story behind Horace Batten Bootmakers, from our early beginnings to the workshop we continue to run today.
The Story Of
Horace Batten
Discover the story behind Horace Batten Bootmakers, from our early beginnings to the workshop we continue to run today.
The Story behind Horace Batten
The Batten family’s bootmaking heritage reaches back over 200 years, with roots in Ilminster, Somerset, before William Batten moved to Gloucester in 1804 and continued the craft by hand from his bench in Saint John’s Street. Long before machines entered the trade, every pair was shaped through skill, patience and traditional workmanship.
Through the generations, the Batten name travelled from Gloucester to London, Paris, Toronto, Chicago and New York, before Horace Batten brought the family craft to Northamptonshire. After becoming Works Manager at Cook’s Boot Factory in Long Buckby, he later established Horace Batten Bootmakers Ltd in his own name.
Today, the business continues from its rural Northamptonshire workshop, preserving the same methods, principles and commitment to quality that have guided the family for generations. From bespoke riding and hunting boots to remarkable commissions and high-profile clients, the Horace Batten story is one of craft, continuity and lasting pride.
The Principles Behind The Craft
Heritage
Over seven generations of Batten bootmakers have shaped the way we work today. Our methods are rooted in tradition, but carried forward with care, purpose and pride.
Craftmanship
Every boot reflects the skill of the maker behind it. From the first measurement to the final finish, we believe true quality comes from patience, precision and experience.
Individual Fit
No two customers are the same. Every pair is made around the person who will wear them, with careful attention to fit, comfort, style and purpose.
Lasting Quality
A Horace Batten boot is made to endure. We use trusted materials, proven methods and exacting standards to create boots with strength, character and longevity.
Personal Service
We believe the experience should feel as considered as the boots themselves. From first enquiry to final fitting, our aim is to offer reassurance, guidance and genuine care.
Continuity
The same principles that guided the family workshop over 200 years ago still matter today. We preserve the craft not by standing still, but by protecting what makes it worth carrying forward.
it begins...
1601 -1700
In 1870, Edwin James Batten travelled to Canada and took up a free grant of 200 acres of land. After clearing several acres of bush, he was forced to abandon it through lack of means and returned to Toronto to earn a living.
He soon found work in a large boot and shoe factory on Front Street, before moving on to Chicago, then back to Toronto, and later to Newark, New Jersey, where he secured a first-class position as a clicker.
Some time later, Edwin James returned to London and became a pattern cutter for Mr McCabe’s Upper Manufacturer on City Road, Finsbury — a position he held for 12 years.
In 1928, Horace Batten (2nd) left school and entered his father’s business, where he was trained in every aspect of bootmaking, with particular focus on the skill of pattern cutting.
It was at this factory that he was present for the fittings of Prince Henry, brother of King George VI and later Duke of Gloucester.
After the war contracts ended in 1948, the business returned to its traditional work, producing handmade shoes and riding boots. But by 1950, the shoe trade had entered a slump and business began to slow.
Around this time, the Southport shop also closed. Although records are limited, it is believed the shop may have been opened to help meet the demand for boots during the Second World War.
In 1953, Horace Batten (2nd) made a decisive change, moving away from shoemaking to focus exclusively on bespoke, made-to-measure riding boots.
That same year, fire broke out at the Henry Street boot factory — a dramatic moment in the firm’s history, but not the end of its story.
In 1967, Horace Lampard Batten moved the business from Northampton to Ravensthorpe, setting up the workshop in an outbuilding on the land of his new home.
The building has its own character too, believed to have once housed circus elephants when the property was owned by the Fossett family. From this remarkable setting, the Horace Batten workshop continues to operate to this day.
In 2012, Horace Lampard Batten’s centenary year was marked by Northampton Shoe Museum. The celebration coincided with the London Olympic year and the creation of a giant pair of size 72 boots, made by Horace Batten in collaboration with Jeffrey West.
The boots were created for the travelling Lady Godiva puppet, which carried them through Northamptonshire — the historic heart of boots and shoes. The launch was marked with an exhibition and a boot-shaped cake from the museum, celebrating both the project and Horace Batten’s 100th birthday.
On 7 December 2014, Horace Lampard Batten (2nd) died at the remarkable age of 102. His bootmaking legacy was recognised by The Times, which honoured his life and work with a lengthy printed tribute.
In March 2020, the global pandemic changed the world, and many businesses sadly did not survive. Coming so soon after the loss of Timothy Batten, it was an especially difficult time for Horace Batten Bootmakers Ltd.
The company managed to navigate those uncertain years, but the wider bootmaking world suffered a great loss when Davies Riding Boots of Wales, long regarded as one of our closest bespoke bootmaking counterparts, made the decision to cease trading.
Today, Emma Batten is at the helm, continuing to produce long riding boots by hand with her trusted and close-knit team.
Much has changed since William Batten left Ilminster in 1804, but the same principles still guide the work: traditional methods, high standards, quality materials and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction.
More than 200 years on, the Batten name continues — and the workshop hopes to keep going for many years yet.
it begins...
1601 -1700
In 1870, Edwin James Batten travelled to Canada and took up a free grant of 200 acres of land. After clearing several acres of bush, he was forced to abandon it through lack of means and returned to Toronto to earn a living.
He soon found work in a large boot and shoe factory on Front Street, before moving on to Chicago, then back to Toronto, and later to Newark, New Jersey, where he secured a first-class position as a clicker.
Some time later, Edwin James returned to London and became a pattern cutter for Mr McCabe’s Upper Manufacturer on City Road, Finsbury — a position he held for 12 years.
By the early 1900s, Horace Batten (1st) had entered the boot trade and, by the age of 21, had become one of the finest bootmakers in London. His skill earned him the role of Works Manager at Cook’s Boot Factory in Long Buckby, Northamptonshire.
In 1928, Horace Batten (2nd) left school and entered his father’s business, where he was trained in every aspect of bootmaking, with particular focus on the skill of pattern cutting.
It was at this factory that he was present for the fittings of Prince Henry, brother of King George VI and later Duke of Gloucester.
After the war contracts ended in 1948, the business returned to its traditional work, producing handmade shoes and riding boots. But by 1950, the shoe trade had entered a slump and business began to slow.
Around this time, the Southport shop also closed. Although records are limited, it is believed the shop may have been opened to help meet the demand for boots during the Second World War.
In 1953, Horace Batten (2nd) made a decisive change, moving away from shoemaking to focus exclusively on bespoke, made-to-measure riding boots.
That same year, fire broke out at the Henry Street boot factory — a dramatic moment in the firm’s history, but not the end of its story.
In 1965, Horace Batten (1st) senior died. In a final act of generosity, he left his body to Cambridge Hospital for the advancement of medical science.
In 1967, Horace Lampard Batten (2nd) moved the business from Northampton to Ravensthorpe, setting up the workshop in an outbuilding on the land of his new home.
The building has its own character too, believed to have once housed circus elephants when the property was owned by the Fossett family. From this remarkable setting, the Horace Batten workshop continues to operate to this day.
In 2012, Horace Lampard Batten’s centenary year was marked by Northampton Shoe Museum. The celebration coincided with the London Olympic year and the creation of a giant pair of size 72 boots, made by Horace Batten in collaboration with Jeffrey West.
The boots were created for the travelling Lady Godiva puppet, which carried them through Northamptonshire — the historic heart of boots and shoes. The launch was marked with an exhibition and a boot-shaped cake from the museum, celebrating both the project and Horace Batten’s 100th birthday.
On 7 December 2014, Horace Lampard Batten (2nd) died at the remarkable age of 102. His bootmaking legacy was recognised by The Times, which honoured his life and work with a lengthy printed tribute.
In March 2020, the global pandemic changed the world, and many businesses sadly did not survive. Coming so soon after the loss of Timothy Batten, it was an especially difficult time for Horace Batten Bootmakers Ltd.
The company managed to navigate those uncertain years, but the wider bootmaking world suffered a great loss when Davies Riding Boots of Wales, long regarded as one of our closest bespoke bootmaking counterparts, made the decision to cease trading.
Today, Emma Batten is at the helm, continuing to produce long riding boots by hand with her trusted and close-knit team.
Much has changed since William Batten left Ilminster in 1804, but the same principles still guide the work: traditional methods, high standards, quality materials and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction.
More than 200 years on, the Batten name continues — and the workshop hopes to keep going for many years yet.
it begins...
In 1870, Edwin James Batten travelled to Canada and took up a free grant of 200 acres of land. After clearing several acres of bush, he was forced to abandon it through lack of means and returned to Toronto to earn a living.
He soon found work in a large boot and shoe factory on Front Street, before moving on to Chicago, then back to Toronto, and later to Newark, New Jersey, where he secured a first-class position as a clicker.
Some time later, Edwin James returned to London and became a pattern cutter for Mr McCabe’s Upper Manufacturer on City Road, Finsbury — a position he held for 12 years.
In 1880, Horace Batten (1st) was born in Fanshaw Street, Hoxton. His arrival marked the beginning of another important chapter in the Batten family story.
In 1928, Horace Batten (2nd) left school and entered his father’s business, where he was trained in every aspect of bootmaking, with particular focus on the skill of pattern cutting.
It was at this factory that he was present for the fittings of Prince Henry, brother of King George VI and later Duke of Gloucester.
In 1948, the wartime contracts came to an end and the business shifted once again. Production moved away from military work and returned to handmade shoes and riding boots, bringing the craft back to its traditional roots.
After the war contracts ended in 1948, the business returned to its traditional work, producing handmade shoes and riding boots. But by 1950, the shoe trade had entered a slump and business began to slow.
Around this time, the Southport shop also closed. Although records are limited, it is believed the shop may have been opened to help meet the demand for boots during the Second World War.
In 1953, Horace Batten (2nd) made a decisive change, moving away from shoemaking to focus exclusively on bespoke, made-to-measure riding boots.
That same year, fire broke out at the Henry Street boot factory — a dramatic moment in the firm’s history, but not the end of its story.
In 1967, Horace Lampard Batten (2nd) moved the business from Northampton to Ravensthorpe, setting up the workshop in an outbuilding on the land of his new home.
The building has its own character too, believed to have once housed circus elephants when the property was owned by the Fossett family. From this remarkable setting, the Horace Batten workshop continues to operate to this day.
In 2012, Horace Lampard Batten’s centenary year was marked by Northampton Shoe Museum. The celebration coincided with the London Olympic year and the creation of a giant pair of size 72 boots, made by Horace Batten in collaboration with Jeffrey West.
The boots were created for the travelling Lady Godiva puppet, which carried them through Northamptonshire — the historic heart of boots and shoes. The launch was marked with an exhibition and a boot-shaped cake from the museum, celebrating both the project and Horace Batten’s 100th birthday.
In March 2020, the global pandemic changed the world, and many businesses sadly did not survive. Coming so soon after the loss of Timothy Batten, it was an especially difficult time for Horace Batten Bootmakers Ltd.
The company managed to navigate those uncertain years, but the wider bootmaking world suffered a great loss when Davies Riding Boots of Wales, long regarded as one of our closest bespoke bootmaking counterparts, made the decision to cease trading.
Today, Emma Batten is at the helm, continuing to produce long riding boots by hand with her trusted and close-knit team.
Much has changed since William Batten left Ilminster in 1804, but the same principles still guide the work: traditional methods, high standards, quality materials and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction.
More than 200 years on, the Batten name continues — and the workshop hopes to keep going for many years yet.
2026
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