Yard and frontage.

Alfred Sargent & Sons was founded in 1899 in Rushden, which was once at the very heart of England's shoemaking region.

As we are now in the year 2025, little is left of our once bustling and thriving Boot and shoe trade.

Just about every street and road in town had a business involved in the shoe trade in some way, shape or form.

And of course these provided employment for several members of so many families.

Entrance to main office.	Goods inward door.

Alfred Sargent went through a difficult stage, and in 2021 the brand went in to liquidation.

Out of town there were leather tanneries on the go, and this eventually went in to decline too. Many of them operating with drums and currier equipment made and serviced by Cyril Norris.

The Sargent brand was sold to a British shoe shop website, and prices started at £280 for the standard boot, rising to £425 for a more exclusive style.

Goods out loading bay.	Glass factory roof.

Staff needed.

The factory was purpose built in 1915 with up-to-date machinery and electric light for efficient shoe production. But for now the former factory in Portland Road in Rushden is closed. And the fabric of the building is looking unloved.

Ironically, there was an advert by the office doorway, requiring an experienced Clicker to apply within.

In years to come, this term will be a complete mystery to future generations, but this was the art of cutting the various components of a shoe, from the leather hide.

On the day of my visit at 12 noon on Tuesday 21^st January, 2025, the weather was sunny and 6 C.

Lots of great information on our local weather etc at http://www.rushden-weather.co.uk/