Cordwainers' Guild Records

The old list stated that "Nos. 8-14 are at present in the original oak chest of the Guild which also contains a leather apron and a painted banner for 'Mr. Cork's Committee'." When the records were first checked about 1950 by the G.R.O., these were with the main series but only the leather apron could be found after c.1965

The early account books show the Company functioning as an effective guild. Orders regulating prices for types of shoes and other leather goods, employment, apprenticeship and wages, and shop opening in the period 1562-79 are given in Volume I (pp. 19-23); the administration of the guild, election of officers, appointment of "drinking days" (1594), attendance in the company's hall, and dress are included. The accounts relate chiefly to dinner expenses and charities, but include repairs to the guild streamer (1563) and the purchase of a new one (1698), "for the garland upon the election days" (1602) etc., subscriptions and receipts from fines. Admissions to membership and enrolment of apprentices occupy a large amount of space. In the early 17th century there were at least two women members of the guild and isolated women also occur later. The rules and forms of oaths are given in Vol. 7.

From about c.1734 prominent local citizens occur as members. Detailed accounts and c.1760, although occasionally expenses on drink and tobacco at the "breakfasts" or feasts are noted. In 1762 they resolved to prosecute Geo. Turberville for practising as a cordwainer without being apprenticed (Vol. IV)

In the 19th century the craft interests of the guild seem to have been more-or-less non-existent, although in 1870 prizes were distributed to apprentices. There is little detail of meetings until 1876. By that time the guild had become a Conservative party dining club, as a counter to the Whig and Liberal town council. In November 1876, for instance, a motion was passed condemning national hysteria over the Bulgarian atrocities (Vol. 5). In 1941 the guild, which had not met for 20 years, and consisted of only a few members, was wound up.