Clogs and Bobbins
Clogs were once worn by miners, factory workers and fish bobbers (men who unloaded fishing boats) as they are extremely hardwearing. They consist of a strong leather upper fastened on a thick wooden sole usually with decorative brass nails.
Our clogs are decorated with the Rose of Lancashire on the tongue and we also tie bells to them. They are all handmade and make a very distinct noise when they strike the ground. The interest in Clog Dancing has saved some clogmakers from going out of business, but sadly there are only about 30 clogmakers in England now, when some years ago there were 200.
There is still one bobbin mill in existence – Stott Park Bobbin Mill now owned by English Heritage. One tends to think in terms of the bobbins we see in the photograph but they also made cotton reels and bobbins to carry heavy duty rope etc. It’s a bit tucked away but well worth a visit.
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The bobbins we use came from a Cotton Mill in Cumbria. They were liberated by an enterprising guy who advertised them on e:bay. We were lucky enough to be able to buy sufficient for everyone in our side to have their own pairs.
(more information awaited)
