Address: Lady Peckett’s Yard, York, YO1 9UP
Description
A black wooden sign hangs on the side of a brick building, bearing the golden cursive inscription ‘J.H. Storey Cordwainer’.
History
A cordwainer is a shoemaker who crafts new shoes from new leather, distinct from a cobbler, who traditionally repairs shoes.
The term “cordwainer” is still in use today. Until 2000, Cordwainers’ Technical College existed in London and was regarded for over a century as one of the world’s leading institutions for training shoemakers and leather workers.
1925 – Cordwainers Technical College Source: Layers of London
The college produced notable fashion designers, including Jimmy Choo and Patrick Cox.
Lady Peckett’s Yard, originally known as Bakehouse Lane, is a medieval alley that runs alongside the original Rowntree grocery business on Pavement Street.
1909 – The Rowntree grocery shop, to the right of this image is the enterance to Lady Peckett’s Yard
The alley acquired its current name in the 18th century, when John Peckett was Lord Mayor of York, and a house on the site was occupied by his widow.
Although called a “yard”, Lady Peckett’s Yard is actually a narrow alley for pedestrians.
Historical documents reveal that a small courtyard once existed in the middle section of Herbert House, along with a large 17th-century staircase that provided access to the rear of the building.
Around 1638, the passage and yard were remodeled. The courtyard was enclosed, the staircase removed, and small workshops were created for artisans, including cordwainers and joiners.
One such artisan was J.H. Storey, a cordwainer who worked in the area.
1920s – The cordwainers of York on the Shambles Source: York Cordwainers
Today, Lady Peckett’s Yard remains a Grade II listed building, recognised since 1954, and stands as a testament to the rich history of York’s artisans and shoemakers.
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