In the quiet town of Street, Somerset, a small family workshop sowed the seeds of a global shoe empire. Back in 1825, Quaker brothers Cyrus and James Clark turned leftover sheepskin into handmade slippers, called 'Brown Petersburghs.' Their humble creations sold steadily, averaging 1,000 pairs a month.

Challenges soon followed. A recession threatened the business, but William Clark, their cousin, embraced machinery, transforming production speed and efficiency. Over decades, Clarks not only became a footwear giant but also invested in its community—building housing, schools, and libraries. Women in the family, Helen and Esther Clark, even supported the suffrage movement, highlighting progressive values.

Clarks’ innovations continued through the 20th century-from wooden-soled shoes during WWII to the iconic children's T-bar shoes. A revolutionary machine, the CEMA, enabled mass production, and by the 1950s, Clarks was producing over two million shoes annually. Today, the company sells 50 million pairs worldwide, with headquarters still in Somerset.

The Shoemakers Museum in Street celebrates this legacy, showcasing vintage shoes, tools, and even recreated 1950s and 1980s shopfronts. Clarks’ story is a perfect blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and community spirit-turning humble cobblers into global icons.