Rushden grew from just over 800 residents to around 35,000 in the last two hundred years. Most of that phenomenal growth was powered by the Boot and Shoe Industry.
At one time, Rushden and its neighbours allegedly had over 120 companies making shoes or supporting their manufacture. A figure of 200 has even been suggested.
Today, the local Boot and Shoe Industry is almost gone. Most of the factories have been demolished or converted for other uses. Driving round Rushden, you can see a number of former shoe factories that are now blocks of flats or retail stores.
And now, there is another nail in the coffin of what was once the World’s premier shoe industry.
Grensons have been making shoes in Rushden since 1866, but now they are 75% owned by sportswear company Castore.
Grensons hand-made shoes have been worn by the rich and famous for over a century. Just recently, the latest Doctor Who wore them in the Tardis.
We are perhaps approaching the end of an era.