The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers is a City of London Livery Company which was awarded its Royal Charter in 1670, but the Company is first recorded as a trade association for the makers of pattens in 1379 and the trade itself dates from the 12th century or earlier.
Pattens were under-shoes designed to be worn outdoors and to lift the wearers and their shoes and ladies’ dresses above the mud and grime of early streets.
Today the Pattenmakers’ Charitable Foundation has developed a new role in funding the design and bespoke fabrication of orthopaedic shoes, particularly for the UK’s injured servicemen.
The Company continues to draw its membership from the footwear industry and from many other walks of life. The Company’s main focuses of activity are charity, fellowship and participation in the life of the City of London.
1379
First Record
‘Mystery of Patynmakers’
1666
Great Fire
The Company’s early records were believed lost in the Great Fire of London
1670
Company Incorporated
Company was incorporated by Royal Charter by King Charles II
1717
Company Granted Livery
1976
Association Formed with Shoe Trade
1981
Third Royal Charter
Company received third charter and additional powers, including appointing a Warden to the Trade