In partnership with Mr Frank Westley and Mr Joseph Whitney, Mr John Wallace Coles (who was Burton Latimer born and bred), founded the Coles Boot Co Ltd in 1908.  The factory was situated in Piggotts Lane in old malting premises.

Mr John Wallace Coles

In the 1920s  Mr Coles became the first “Mayor” of Burton Latimer.  A newspaper article at the time described him as “devotedly attached to his native town and gifted with just the right qualities essential for the able discharge of the duties appertaining to the office he has been called upon to occupy. “

The newspaper account describes Mr Coles as “an elecutionist of no mean order” and when a young man he gave many recitals in the area.  He also used this skill as the leader of the Liberal party in Burton Latimer.   During his time served on the Parish Council his work, and in particular that in connection with the War Memorial scheme, was gratefully remembered.

Board of Education Labour Certificate issued for Fred Goodman in 1917

Site of Coles Boot Co 1928

Coles Boot Ladies Football Team 1920s L to R: Back Row: Mrs G Williams, A Moisey, E Perkins, E Troop, I Rixon, D Dickman Centre Row: E Larratt, L Clark, M Underwood, I Allen, and L Larratt Front Row: J Hume and E Austin	Coles Boot Ladies Football Team 1920s

Coles Boot Ladies Football Team

Lilian Larratt, later (1927) Tailby, a member of the Coles Boot Co Ladies Football Team

For many years Mr Coles travelled for Messrs Wilson & Watson, the Kettering shoemakers (later to become Frank Wright Shoes), and the knowledge and experience gained while “on the road” he put to good use in founding the Coles Boot Co Ltd and became Managing Director.  His death occurred in the old Queens Hotel, Leeds in 1937.

In the early days a siren sounded to call the workforce to the factory at 7.30 am and again at lunchtime which was from 12 noon until 1 pm.  Finedon operatives working in Burton Latimer were allowed to leave ten minutes early in order to catch a bus home for lunch.  The factory was in production on Saturdays from 7.30 am until 11.30 am.  The machinery, which was provided under lease, was belt driven but in time became individually motorised. 

His son, Mr E Keith Coles, then took over the business manufacturing men’s boots and shoes.  Mr Coles was born in Garfield Street, Kettering in 1900 and later made his home in “Kenilworth”, 186 High Street, Burton Latimer, then returned to Kettering to Lewis Road and finally lived in Warkton Lane, Barton Seagrave.   He was a Conservative party supporter and Vice-Treasurer of the East Midlands area.  In the 2^nd World War he was a member of Burton Latimer Home Guard.   He died in 1970. 

Burton Latimer Home Guard during the II World War. Mr Keith Coles is 6th from the left on the front row

During the period from 1930 to 1960 Mr Coles was joined by two very able co-directors, Mr Arthur Sisman, who acted as Company Secretary, and Mr Lewis Langford who was Manufacturing Director.  They made an outstanding management team and the company prospered.

Throughout the 2nd World War production was concentrated on the construction of army boots and it was at this time that E K Coles (previously Buckby Bros) was brought under the auspices of Coles Boot Co.

The Coles Group was further expanded after the war when Individual Shoes, who were making children’s shoes in Brighton, moved to Burton Latimer under the management of Mr Bob Wilson and upon his untimely death the company was managed by Mr Gilbert Sisman. 

Coles Boot Co Closing Room Ladies L to R Standing: Nellie Freeman, Kath Day, Nellie Holland L to R Seated: ?, Joyce Goodman, Maud Bunyan, Rose Pell	Individual Shoes (operatives) L to R: Gladys Neville, Iris Sharman,Mary Key (Shrives), Pat Stairs (Irons), Edie Darby, Phyllis Fuller (Nobles) Lil Beeby, Connie Wade

Under the direction of Mr John Groom and Mr Garth Langford, Alliance Shoes developed shoe stores in York, Bridlington, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Brixton, Bletchley and here in Burton Latimer.  Compere Shoes was created by Mr Keith Coles following the war and was the Instock division of the group with Mr Arthur Sellers as Sales Manager.  In the mid-fifties Beaufort Shoes in Alexandra Street was formed to make boys’ moulded footwear.  Another addition to the Group was the Arthur Nutt factory of Finedon in the late 1950’s/early 1960’s, providing additional production space.  Two further manufacturing bases were added to the Group when C & W Footwear Ltd and Mitchell’s Closing joined.  At this time too a close association was formed with Whitney & Westley Ltd the Finedon Street factory in the town, again to access additional production space.  The association was formalised in the late fifties and continued for several years with Mr Angus Westley representing The Coles Group when necessary during promotional visits to the United States . (Click here for planned expansion to Jamaica.)

"Large" Demonstration Shoe

There was a shortage of skilled labour after the War but then the boom time for the firm was during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s when 20,000 pairs a week were produced within the Group.  Upwards of 1,000 operatives were employed and markets were buoyant in many parts of the world particularly, Africa, United States of America and Scandinavia.  This successful selling operation was headed by Mr Keith Coles.  He was assisted b Mr John Richmond (in charge of export sales), who became known as The Flying Salesman.  Home sales were under the management of Mr Eric Ambler who was well known in the industry for his knowledge and expertise in men’s fashion footwear.

Photograph of a 'showbiz' personality and Mr Keith Coles (centre) with Mr Eric Ambler (right)

Mr Nigel Coles, the son of Keith Coles, joined the company in 1954 and Mr Bob Amey, the son-in-law of Keith Coles, became Company Secretary in 1955(6) taking over from Mr Arthur Sisman.

During the 1950s and the heyday of the Group many personalities promoted the products.  Elizabeth (Lizbeth) Webb, a singer and actress, visited the factory and opened the new offices in Newman Street 1951.

Opening new offices of Coles Boot Co in Newman Street by Lizbeth Webb L to R: Robert Wilson (Managing Director Individual Shoes), Bob Mackintosh (Chairman Burton Latimer Urban District Council), Lewis Langford (Director Coles Boot Co), Keith Coles (Managing Director Coles Boot Co), Lizbeth Webb, Mrs Keith Coles, Rev R W Sharpley (Rector of Burton Latimer), Mrs Arthur Sisman (Director's wife).

Coles Boot Co Office Staff Standing: Eunice Bray, Isabel Tunn Janet Meadows Kneeling: Jo Ward, Muriel Bettles	Coles Boot Co Office Staff: L to R: Joan Turland, Doreen Wilmer, Geraldiine Long,Eunice Bray, Isabel Tunn, ?, Sheila Clipson, Mary Starmer, Muriel Bettles, Diane Burton

Various stars of the ‘pop’ scene came to Burton Latimer including Joe Brown and the Bruvvers, Adam Faith, Tommy Steele and The Monkees.  Other notable personalities for whom the Group made motorcycle boots were Barry Sheene and Geoff Duke.  Sheila Van Damme, the rally driver, and Hogan “Kid” Bassey, the boxer also visited as did Raymond Glendenning, the BBC radio broadcaster.

A shoe style was developed named the "Six Five Special" to appeal to rock 'n roll and skiffle fans, the name derived from the popular Saturday evening television show.

Local pop and filmstar, Jim Dale, pictured in 1958 with workers	Adam Faith visiting Coles Boot Co in 1970 Back L to R: Belinda Bernie, ?, Annette Jacques, Christine Beeby, Margaret?, Hazel Chamberlain Dorinda Hollis (now Ward), Rita Thurlow, Avril Roberts, Cynthia Beasley, Ann Wykes. Front L to R: Suzie?, Judy Amos (now Whiteman), Jocelyn Gillingham (now Miller)

	Joe Brown of Joe Brown and the Bruvvers c1964 signing a pair of Coles Group Shoes at the factory L to R: Helena Krajcir, Viv Sawford, Vanessa Clipstone, Joe Brown, Sue Hyler, Glennis Tailby, Megan Lewis, Gloria Morris
	Hogan "Kid" Bassey visiting the factory in the late 1950s meeting a 'sample hand', Marjorie Evans

Shoe Fairs held in this country and abroad, were show places for the latest designs created by the Group when samples of the highest quality were exhibited and order books filled.

Mr Keith Coles welcoming the Duchess of Gloucester to a Shoe Fair. Mr Garth Langford is back left.

Mr Keith Coles with the Shoe Princess, Ramona Muir, and Mrs Peter Thorneycroft, wife of the Chancellor of the Exchequer at a Shoe and Leather Fair in Olympia, London

On 14 January 1958, The Coles Group celebrated “50 Years of The Coles Boot Co Ltd“ with an Anniversary Dinner and Dance at Wicksteed Park.  (Click here for newspaper article of the event)

50th Anniversary of Coles Boot Co Dinner and Dance programme 1958

I am delighted to welcome you to the “Coles” 50^th Anniversary Dinner and Dance, which to everyone connected with our Group of Companies cannot help but be a unique, memorable, and happy occasion.

During these 50 years, we have witnessed a truly remarkable progress, and we can claim to have given our industry many noteworthy leads in quality and styling.  With the aid of up-to-date factories and large output, we have been able to give a service to our customers, thus gaining the loyalty and interest of our many friends in the industry.

Also, the manner in which we have developed overseas markets has increased our reputation for enterprise and integrity, and has made us one of the most important exporters of footwear in the country.  It has also helped considerably in attaining the proud position of being the largest group of private Shoe Manufacturers in the Midlands.

These wonderful results and achievements have only been made possible by that great and industrious team working at home and overseas, and to one and all, I convey my thanks and appreciation.

May tonight’s celebration be one of pleasure and enjoyment, and my sincere good wishes to you all.

E Keith Coles

L to R: Bob Wilson, George Morris, Nigel Coles, Oliver Tailby, Les Walden, Gilbert Sisman, Johnny Richmond, E Keith Coles, Herbert Buckby, ?, Lewis Langford, Angus Westley, John Matthews, Herbert Dunmore

Guests at 50th Anniversary Celebration Party 1958 including E Clipson, Millie Knighton, Pete Hammond, Dick Cooper, Herbert Lardner, Mrs Cooper, Charlie and Vera Henson.	Guests at 50th Anniversary Celebration Party 1958 including Charlie Henson, Percy Evans, Mrs Brad Simpkins, Mrs Percy Evans, Mrs Violet Elliott, Jock Elliott, Mrs Fraser

50 years Anniversary Celebration at Wicksteed Park. Office staff with the radio entertainer, Kenneth Horne. L to R Back Row: Susan Humphrey (now Willis), Margaret Thurlow (now Craddock), Jean Northern (now Fordham), Ramona Muir (later Chrissmon, dec.), Jean Fennell (now Ellerby), Roy Matthews. L to R Front Row: Joan Allen, Pat Whetton (now White), Marie Johnson (later Dyson, dec.) Pauline Smith (now Fairey) Marjorie Matthews (dec.), Rosemary Downie, Jennifer Smith (now McAllister USA)

Mr Lewis Langford together with his son Garth, played a role in the community life of Burton Latimer.  A Keep Fit class was formed (Click here to read more) and floats were entered in the Carnival Parades. Eight employees of the Group were voluntary members of the Fire Service - click here for more information.

(Click here for article on the training of young employees.)


(Click here for an overview of the Coles Group from an article published in 1958)

Coles Boot Co Gala Entry 1950s

In 1970, on the death of his father, Mr Nigel Coles became Managing Director of the organisation.  During the 1970’s trade became more difficult.  The Group was mainly producing Goodyear welted shoes and then cemented sole shoes.  This opened the door to imports and with the increasing use of cars (less walking) and the advent of the “throw away shoe” replacing the shoe repairer, together with the increasing popularity of sports shoes, the industry declined.  Cheap imports were arriving from Italy, Spain and South America and moccasin shoes became popular.

Visitors and Coles personnel in the Canteen L to R:Stan Firmin and Mrs Shirley Firmin, Garth Langford, Dr Weston (prospective Conservative candidate for Kettering) Lindsey Langford, Douglas Ashby

Coles Boot Co office staff L to R Back: Linda ? Marion Bulmer, Elizabeth Dyne, Sylvia? L to R Front: Theresa Randall (now Moisey), Marion Berry Judy Amos (now Whiteman)

Mr Nigel Coles continued to manage the company during this difficult time.  He was ably assisted by his co-directors, Mr R L Amey (Group Sales Director), Mr Gilbert Sisman, Mr Garth Langford (Group Directors), Mr Tom Toombs and Mr George Morrice (Manufacturing Directors of the Coles Boot Co and A Nutt & Co respectively).  Mr George Elsen was Assistant Company Secretary.   Eventually the business was sold to the Frank Wright Group in the hope that there would be sufficient employment for the workforce.  Inevitably, however, with the recession in English-made footwear and the demise of the shoe industry the factories were gradually closed down and in 1982 The Coles Boot Co was no more.  The Coles’ family was saddened to know that so many years of shoe manufacturing in the town was reaching the end.

Although it was a challenging time to be involved in shoe production with the ultimate decline, Mr Nigel Coles was pleased and proud to be part of the firm and to see somebody wearing a pair of Coles’ shoes always gave him a tremendous ‘kick’.