TheBritish Boot Company (formerly known asHolts) is a shoe shop inCamden Town inLondon. The shop was founded as "Holts" in 1851, sellinghobnail boots.[1] In the 1980s, the shop changed its name to British Boot Company, but the business was still run by the same family.[2] The shop is notable for being the first UK retailer of the classic British brandDr. Martens, and also sells Grinders,Solovair, Gladiator, George Cox, Tredair and NPS.[3][4]
In the 1970s and early 1980s, the shop was popular withskinheads andpunks from all over the world, who came to buybovver boots orbrothel creepers.[1] Customers could borrow a marker pen to write messages on the walls.[2] Members ofThe Clash,Sex Pistols andUK Subs became regular customers.[3]
In the late 1970s, the shop's owner, Alan Roumana, formed a close association with the local band North London Invaders, who would later becomeMadness.[5] The band's lead singerSuggs writes: "Holts became a mecca for alternative types from around the world. It's still there, as the British Boot Company, serving each new generation ofAirware devotees".[5] Located above the shop was2 Tone Records, where Madness signed their first record deal.[1] The band used to buyloafers from the shop, and they featured the store in their music videos "The Prince" and "The Sun and the Rain" (a scene in the latter video from 1984 shows the band entering the shop when it was known as Holts).[6]
The British Boot Company (established as Holts in 1851 selling hobnail boots to navvies) was centre of the action, providing Doc Martens and brothel creepers for all the rock tribes.
The British Boot Company, the first shop in the UK to stock Doc Martens boots
Holts became a mecca for alternative types from around the world.
51°32′22″N0°08′33″W / 51.53957°N 0.14251°W /51.53957; -0.14251