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In Chesham, the Old Boot Factory, located at 71 Townsend Road, is a testament to the town’s rich industrial heritage and how it has been repurposed for community use.
Established in 1854, Giffard Newton & Sons was a prominent boot manufacturer in Chesham, a town renowned for its “Four Bs”: boots, brushes, beer, and Baptists. The company specialised in making durable occupational shoes for laborers in the surrounding area. Their factory became a significant employer and remained operational until its closure in 2005.
A prominent feature of the factory’s architecture is its robust brickwork and functional design, which IS representative of the industrial style of the Victorian era. The building is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places; however, it is recognized locally as an important architectural and historical landmark, symbolizing the industrial past as well as the evolution of Chesham over time.
After lying vacant for two years, the Old Boot Factory found a new purpose in 2008 when it became the home of Workaid, a charity dedicated to refurbishing donated tools and equipment. These items are then sent to vocational training projects in Africa, empowering young people through vocational training. As a result of extensive renovations by volunteers, the derelict building was transformed into a functional workspace while preserving its historical essence.
You can read more about Zolena and the other people we have helped here.
Today, the Old Boot Factory is more than a workplace; it is the centre of a community. As part of its sustainability mission, Workaid operates a shop selling refurbished items. Through the transformation of this building from an industrial facility to a centre for charitable work, the town has demonstrated its resilience and commitment to social enterprise.
For those interested in visual history, Chesham Museum offers a collection of photographs and artefacts related to the town’s boot-making industry, including images of the Old Boot Factory during its operational years. These archives provide valuable insights into the factory’s role in the community and its architectural evolution.
Link to other sites of interest
More pictures before, during and after the renovation by Workaid.
All pictures courtesy of Giffard Newton Archives, Ann Crabbe, a local resident and Fellow of the Photographic society and volunteers involved with the renovations.
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Phone Number: 01494 775220
Email Address: admin@workaid.org
Address:
The Old Boot Factory
71 Townsend Road
Chesham
Buckinghamshire
HP5 2AA
Registered Charity: 1041574
The Office
Monday – Friday
9:30am – 12:30pm
1:30pm – 4:30pm
Tool Donations
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
9:30am – 12:30pm
1:30pm – 4:00pm
The Workaid Shop
Thursday, Friday & Saturday
10am – 4pm
The Hub
Monday & Tuesday
10am – 3pm
Phone Number: 01494 775220
Email Address: admin@workaid.org
Address:
The Old Boot Factory
71 Townsend Road
Chesham
Buckinghamshire
HP5 2AA
Registered Charity: 1041574
The Office
Monday – Friday
9:30am – 12:30pm
1:30pm – 4:30pm
The Workaid Shop
Thursday, Friday & Saturday
10am – 4pm
Tool Donations
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
9:30am – 12:30pm
1:30pm – 4:00pm
The Hub
Monday – Tuesday
10am – 3pm
Phone Number: 01494 775220
Email Address: admin@workaid.org
Address:
The Old Boot Factory
71 Townsend Road
Chesham
Buckinghamshire
HP5 2AA
Registered Charity: 1041574