To understand the relevance of Bowhill & Elliott’s place in today’s shoemaking industry, we must first take you back over 150 years. The year is 1874, and the English city of Norwich is bristling with the sound of shoemakers clicking and closing. Amongst its cobbled streets, nestled between the city’s Roman walls, Norwich’s buoyant shoe quarter was responsible for a huge amount of British shoemaking output. Only Northampton could rival Norwich in its shoemaking prowess, with its enduring brands coming to fruition around the same time, like Crockett & Jones and John Lobb.
Bowhill & Elliott was founded when local shoemaker, Obadiah Henry Bowhill, took an interest in existing local manufacturers, Wright and Co., who already occupied the site that Bowhill now trades and manufactures from, and bought the company in 1874. Obadiah eventually passed the business on to one of his sons, also named Obadiah, and his new son-in-law, Thomas Baines Elliott, who had married his daughter. Together, they formed the company as we know it now – Bowhill & Elliott – in 1897.
In its early years, Bowhill & Elliott continued the former owners’ traditions of producing shoes and boots intended for all use, always with particular emphasis on quality—a word often overused, but rarely adhered to. The turn of the century saw the firm making large quantities of bespoke riding boots for army officers. During the South African War, Bowhill & Elliott supplied the ankle boots and leather gaiters that were essential wear for the troops.
Two world wars followed, of course, and the Great Depression, yet Bowhill & Elliott endured. Rations on materials that had
no military use saw Bowhill again furnishing the military with their army boots, which undoubtedly kept the company going in
challenging times.
Peacetime brought opportunities for diversification. Bowhill & Elliott became the go-to shoemaker for made-to-order styles, always maintaining a trademark level of quality. In 1960, they acquired fellow Norwich shoemakers, the Osoeasie Slipper Company, and their focus shifted almost entirely to house shoes, solidifying their legacy.
The traditional Albert slipper became Bowhill & Elliott’s hallmark product, earning the admiration of household names, royals, and celebrities. From fireside to film sets, their craftsmanship has been celebrated by generations, often described as “the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever worn.”
Building on this iconic legacy, the company embraced modern demands under the leadership of Roger Jury, Margaret Elliott’s great-great-grandson. In 2018, recognising the growing desire for outdoor-ready footwear, Bowhill & Elliott developed and later trademarked their Street Slipper®. Retaining the timeless cut of their Albert slippers and pumps, the Street Slipper® incorporated a durable yet discreet rubber sole, to withstand the elements while maintaining the elegance and comfort synonymous with the brand.
Fast forward to summer 2019, Marc joined Roger and the team as Head of Retail, with a vision to grow the brand's standalone presence and shift focus from private label manufacturing. The two leaders quickly formed a strong partnership, united by a shared ambition. In 2020, Bowhill & Elliott debuted the Street Slipper® at the world-famous Pitti Uomo to widespread acclaim. Visitors praised the impeccable craftsmanship and versatility of the design, with its nearly limitless possibilities for customisation in fabric, lining, and embroidery.
Roger and Marc continued to take the Bowhill brand from strength to strength. The synergy paved the way for a management buyout in October 2022, with Marc leading a clear commitment to continue Bowhill's original path. The core objectives were to maintain on-site manufacturing in Norwich, stay authentic to the Bowhill's heritage and drive growth under their own label.
2025 was a year to celebrate 150 years of Bowhill & Elliott, plus the launch of 'Bowhill & Friends' which was a huge success. Today we're proud to stock brands that align with our values and share our commitment to slow wear manufacturing.
Today, Bowhill & Elliott enjoys increasing recognition under its own name, manufacturing for only a select few brands. To some, they might appear as an overnight success; to others, they’re a brand steeped in more than a century of heritage.
Whether it’s your first pair or your fiftieth, the unmatched quality of Bowhill & Elliott’s production—honed over nearly 150 years—becomes evident the moment you slip them on.
Eight artisan shoemakers, still making shoes and slippers by hand, honouring traditional techniques.
Limited edition styles made from the best of English shoemaking, from iconic brands Crockett & Jones and Cheaney.
Specialising in Made-to-Order we offer a host of custom options from bespoke design to hand embroidery. One shoe has a million ways!