British Boot Company
Encyclopedia
The British Boot Company (formerly known as Holts) is a shoe shop in Camden Town
in London
famous for being the first retailer in the world to sell Dr. Martens
footwear in 1958.
Holts, the predecessor of British Boot Company, started out in 1851 selling hob nail boots. In the 1980s, the shop changed name to British Boot Company, but the business is still in the same family.
In the 1970s and 1980s the shop became a mecca for skinhead
s and punks from all over the world, who came to buy boots or brothel creepers. You could also borrow a marker pen and write messages on the walls that would then be read by other skinhead crews or punk bands on tour.
In the late 1970s, the shop's charismatic owner, Alan Roumana, formed a close association with the local band North London Invaders, who went on to become the pop band Madness
. Madness used to buy loafers
from the shop, and the band featured the store in their music video "The Prince". Members of The Clash
, Sex Pistols
and UK Subs
also became regular customers.
Camden Town
-Economy:In recent years, entertainment-related businesses and a Holiday Inn have moved into the area. A number of retail and food chain outlets have replaced independent shops driven out by high rents and redevelopment. Restaurants have thrived, with the variety of culinary traditions found in...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
famous for being the first retailer in the world to sell Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens is a traditional British footwear brand, which also makes a range of accessories – shoe care products, clothing, luggage, etc. In addition to Dr. Martens, they are known as Doctor Martens, Doc Martens, Docs or DMs...
footwear in 1958.
Holts, the predecessor of British Boot Company, started out in 1851 selling hob nail boots. In the 1980s, the shop changed name to British Boot Company, but the business is still in the same family.
In the 1970s and 1980s the shop became a mecca for skinhead
Skinhead
A skinhead is a member of a subculture that originated among working class youths in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, and then spread to other parts of the world. Named for their close-cropped or shaven heads, the first skinheads were greatly influenced by West Indian rude boys and British mods,...
s and punks from all over the world, who came to buy boots or brothel creepers. You could also borrow a marker pen and write messages on the walls that would then be read by other skinhead crews or punk bands on tour.
In the late 1970s, the shop's charismatic owner, Alan Roumana, formed a close association with the local band North London Invaders, who went on to become the pop band Madness
Madness (band)
In 1979, the band recorded the Lee Thompson composition "The Prince". The song, like the band's name, paid homage to their idol, Prince Buster. The song was released through 2 Tone Records, the label of The Specials founder Jerry Dammers. The song was a surprise hit, peaking in the UK music charts...
. Madness used to buy loafers
Loafers
Slip-ons are typically low, lace-less shoes. The style most commonly seen, known as a loafer or Slippers in American culture, has a moccasin construction. First appearing in the mid-1930s from Norway, they began as casual shoes, but have increased in popularity to the point of being worn in America...
from the shop, and the band featured the store in their music video "The Prince". Members of The Clash
The Clash
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly...
, Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1975. They were responsible for initiating the punk movement in the United Kingdom and inspiring many later punk and alternative rock musicians...
and UK Subs
UK Subs
The U.K. Subs are an English punk rock band, among the earliest in the first wave of British punk. Formed in 1976, the mainstay of the band has been vocalist Charlie Harper, originally a singer in Britain's R&B scene. They were also one of the first street punk bands.-Career:The U.K...
also became regular customers.