Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Gregg Wallace visits a boot factory in Wollaston, Northamptonshire to follow the production of a pair of Dr. Martens, while Cherry Healey gets to grips with the machines that make shoelaces.

Gregg Wallace visits a factory tucked away amongst thatched cottages in the village of Wollaston, Northamptonshire. It may be a tranquil setting, but this factory has been making boots for 120 years, producing footwear for policemen and pop stars alike. Gregg follows every step of production of a pair of original Dr. Martens 1460 leather boots, so called because the factory started making them on the 1st of the 4th 1960.

Meanwhile, Cherry Healey gets to grips with the speedy machines that use 350 metres of yarn to make a single pair of shoelaces. She also learns how to make a pair of children’s wellies and test that they’re fit for the muddiest puddles.

Historian Ruth Goodman reveals the story of a British shoemaker that elevated ladies’ shoes from risqué music hall performers of the 19th century to gracing the feet of the Queen of England. And she explores the origins of football boots as well as the England team’s boot emergency at the 1950 World Cup.

58 minutes

Last on

Thu 16 Feb 2023 19:00

Music Played

  • Paolo Nutini

    New Shoes

  • Bloc Party

    Banquet

  • The Clash

    White Riot

  • The Who

    My Generation

  • Blur

    Parklife

  • Suede

    Starcrazy

  • The Vaccines

    Wreckin Bar

  • Ash

    Burn Baby Burn

  • Black Sabbath

    Paranoid

  • Skids

    The Saints Are Coming

  • Madness

    House Of Fun

  • Madness

    One Step Beyond

  • Franz Ferdinand

    Take Me Out

  • Pulp

    Disco 2000 (7" Mix)

  • Deep Purple

    Burn

  • The Hives

    The Hives - Tick Tick Boom

  • Suede

    Filmstar

  • The Clash

    London Calling 2012

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Gregg Wallace
Presenter Cherry Healey
Presenter Ruth Goodman
Director Gavin Ahern
Series Producer Nicola Lafferty
Executive Producer Lucy Carter
Executive Producer Sanjay Singhal
Production Company Voltage TV

Broadcasts

Learn more about the history of the factory and how it has evolved with an interactive from The Open University.

The fascinating stories behind the production of some of our favourite products.