answersLogoWhite

0

We are fortunate to have the late 12th century writings of Alexander Neckham, who was an observer and chronicler of many of the ordinary, day-to-day trivia of his time. He gives a reliable and accurate first-hand account of many ordinary things, including the work of English shoemakers.

Shoemakers (unlike cobblers or savetiers) made new shoes using a sharp knife and leather blackened with dye. The upper was stitched to the sole with the shoe inside-out, using an awl to make holes, a curved needle and thread made from pig's bristles. Once finished the shoes were turned right side out - hence "turn shoes". They have no heel, simply a flat sole of thick leather.

Many shoes from the same period have been preserved in wet conditions at York and along the Thames waterfront in London. From these it is possible to see exactly how the stitching was done and the shape of the pieces of leather. It is also possible to identify the kinds of leather used: goat, deer and calf skins seem to be the most frequently used.

Shoes were not always black; many were left a natural tan colour. Some shoes were decorated with coloured silk embroidered lines along the instep.

The idea that medieval shoes were made of wool or felt is completely false.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What was the name of people who made shoes in roman time?

The Latin word for shoemaker is "sutor".


What did a leprechaun enjoy spending their time doing?

They collect gold coins and make shoes. The word Leprechaun is actually Gaelic for shoemaker, which makes sense as the occupation of a Leprechaun is a shoemaker to the fairies.


Why did they make the catapult?

to throw big stones at enemies in medieval time.


Moral lesson of Elves and the shoemaker?

The moral lesson of "The Elves and the Shoemaker" is that generosity and kindness will be repaid in unexpected ways. By the shoemaker helping the elves, they in turn helped him succeed in his business and showed him the value of being selfless.


Who is the author of time to kill?

A Time to Kill was written by John Grisham.


What did tanner do in medieval time?

Tanners cured and preserved animal hides to make leather.


Was William the Conqueror in the medieval time?

Yes he was in the Medieval time period


How does a medieval queen spend her time?

queens position medieval time


Who is the all time winning jockey in horse racing history?

Willy Shoemaker


How old is Eugene Merle Shoemaker?

Eugene Merle Shoemaker was born on April 28, 1928 and died on July 18, 1997. Eugene Merle Shoemaker would have been 69 years old at the time of death or 87 years old today.


What did medieval lords do in their spare time?

A medieval lord was the ruler of the land. The lord would make all the decisions.


How did David Levy and Gene Shoemaker meet each other?

David Levy and Gene Shoemaker met when Levy was a young amateur astronomer and contacted Shoemaker to assist with his comet observations. Shoemaker recognized Levy's potential and mentored him in astronomy, leading to a successful collaboration on discovering comets together.