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The foundation stone of the Barker brand was laid in a humble cottage in the
heart of England's shoe manufacturing industry in 1880, by an enterprising
Northamptonshire boot maker.
Arthur Barker was a skilled craftsman and natural innovator, whose
waterproof peg-sole boots were highly sought after (the pegs would swell when
wet and make the sole waterproof). Unable to satisfy increasing demands, he
employed other craftsmen in surrounding villages to fulfill his growing order
book. With a keen eye on the future and a shrewd sense of timing, Barker
invested in factory premises at the turn of the century, later securing
contracts to supply the British army with boots during the First World War.
Throughout the interwar years, the Barker brand went from strength to strength
as Arthur's three sons joined the family business, taking the brand into new
markets and territories. In 1947, a new factory was built in Earls Barton to
house the women's shoe production, and in 1950 the brand established a separate
sales company to sell direct to retailers.
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