North Shoes

"North Shoes was founded in 1876 by William North, a boot maker from Haconby, a small village just outside Bourne. It is believed that it was his wife Sarah who instigated the business. She saw the property for sale whilst visiting the market in Bourne and proposed they sell shoes as well as make them. Boots were made on the premises until 1914 when demand became too high for the 12 employed boot makers and boots had to be sourced elsewhere. North Shoes, under the guidance of William North's great great grandson James, now has the original store in Bourne as well as three other shops located in Oundle, Cambridge and Stamford. Despite the expansion of North Shoes, the ethos of the business remains the same, quality footwear and great service."