CORDWAINERS

CORDWAINER

THEIR BACKGROUND

Cordwainer,  Anglicization of   French   “cordonnier”     introduced  to  our  language

after the Norman invasion of England in 1066. It derived from the city of Cordoba in the

south of Spain, stronghold of Islamic Omeyyad Kalifs. Cordoba, a Morrish village, was known for two trades, silversmithing and production of “cordouan” leather,  called “Cordwain”in England. Cordouan was made from skin of the Musoli goat then found in Corsica, Sardinia. The skin or hide was 'tawed' with alum. Cordouan became the leather most in demand for fine footwear in all of Europe.

The English term cordwainer , means shoemaker, appear in 1100 . In the 13^th

century a distinction was made between Cordwainers proper, called “alutari” , ones

that used only alum tawed cordwain and another class that used inferior tanned

sheepskin which were called basanarii.

Shoemakers themselves selected to be called ccordwainers and the first 'guild' of

cordwainers was formed in Osford in 1131.

The first cordwainers or shoemakers to come to America came to Jamestown,

Virginia in 1607, Captain John Smith was a cordwainer and profits supporting the

settlement came from the English shoe trade. By 1610 more shoemakers, tanners had

arrived at Jamestown and records show a shoe and leather trade flourished there as early

as 1616.

Chistopher Nelme , shoemaker, arrived in Jametown sailing from Bristol to

Virginia in 1619 is said to be the first cordwainer of America.

After 1760's other American settlement relied upon Virginia for leather goods.

Cordwainer's and cobblers: Cordwainers work only with new leather. Cobblers

work with 'old' leather and are 'repairers' instead of shoemakers.

Abstract from Educational Foundation Incorporated in Virginia, The Honourable

Cordwainers Company, by Harrison H. May 26, 2018.