Made in England
A made in England label has long been a marker for quality and craftsmanship.
But did you know that certain regions and cities of England are renowned for the manufacture of different types of products?
Read on to find out what's made where in England.
What is Made in England?
What is it about English goods that makes them so special? It could be our country’s rich manufacturing history with the likes of renowned brands such as Rolls Royce still manufacturing in England. Or it may be that so many talented designers and craftspeople call it home. Whatever the reason, shoppers around the world are increasingly drawn to high-quality products that are English-made.
Up and down the country, there are parts known for their particular manufacturing trade. When you think of shoe making, your mind dashes to Northampton, or when thinking about wool, Yorkshire is the first thing that springs to mind.
Many of these pockets of industry are a result of businesses that have been in the area for generations.
What's Made Where?
Textiles in Lancashire
The first weavers arrived in Lancashire in the early 1500s and set up their looms in the towns and villages that dot the landscape. From the late eighteenth century weaving began to be done in factories and Lancashire’s cotton industry emerged. The cloth they wove was known for its quality and durability, and soon Lancashire textiles were being exported all over the world. There are still Lancashire businesses that specialise in textiles, sharing a dedication to quality and a commitment to keeping alive the skills and traditions of Lancashire textile manufacturing.
Jewellery in Birmingham
Birmingham's jewellery industry started to take off in the 1800s when skilled craftspeople started to make jewellery from silver and gold. Birmingham's jewellers soon became famous for their high-quality work and innovative designs. The city's jewellers continued to produce amazing work throughout the 20th century, and today there are still many talented designers and craftspeople working in Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter.
Millinery in Luton
The town of Luton in Bedfordshire, England is known for a few things: the airport, Vauxhall Cars, and hats! In fact, The millinery industry in Luton dates back to the early 1800s due to the local skills in straw plaiting, which in turn could be used to create hats - including the straw boater. Luton diversified its hat manufacturing and at its peak in the 1930s Luton produced as many as 70 million hats a year! Though the industry has since decreased there are are still a number of milliners in Luton.
Shoes in Northampton
The town of Northampton is most famous for making shoes that are considered some of the best in the world. The town has been producing shoes since the Middle Ages and the tradition is still alive and well today. The first recorded export of shoes from Northampton is from 1378 and by the early 1800 there were over 100 shoe factories in Northampton when the town was known as the "shoe capital of the world." Today, Northampton is still home to many shoe factories, and shoes continue to be one of the town's main exports.
Leather Goods in Somerset
Somerset is known for its high-quality leather, which is often used in luxury products such as handbags and wallets. Many of the factories that produce these items are family-owned and operated, and they have been passed down from generation to generation. While some of the methods used to make leather goods have changed over the years, many still still use traditional methods, and the quality of the products has remained the same.
Read our Best of British Leather Goods, Bags and Accessories Guide here.
Ceramics in Stoke on Trent
Ceramics have been made in Stoke-on-Trent for centuries. The town has always had access to high-quality clay, which is essential for making good ceramics, and it has also developed sophisticated production methods over the years. Pottery factories in Stoke continue to produce tableware, tiles, and other household items that are popular for their durability in both classic and contemporary designs.
Wool in Yorkshire
Wool has been a key part of the Yorkshire economy for centuries. The traditional methods used to process Yorkshire wool are unique to the region. The wool is first washed in water from local streams, then carded and spun to produce high-quality yarn that can be used to make a variety of luxury products. The woollen mills in the area were some of the first in England, and they continue to produce some of the finest wool products in the world and are popular with consumers all over the globe.
Lace in Nottingham
The art of lace making has been around for centuries, and Nottingham is one of the oldest centres of production in England. The lace industry in Nottingham was born in the early 1600s, and was a vital part of the city's economy. Nottingham lace is known for its intricate designs and high quality workmanship. Nottingham still has many individual craftspeople who work in lace as well as an industrial manufacturer of lace still in operation.
Furniture in High Wycombe
If you're in the market for high-quality, made-in-England furniture, High Wycombe is the place to go. The town is home to a number of furniture makers, who produce everything from chairs and tables to bedroom suites and living room sets. High Wycombe’s furniture manufacturing started with chairmaking thanks local wood turning skills. From a handful of workshops the industry grew to to an estimated number of 4700 chairs per day by the late 19th century and it's still home to a thriving furniture industry today.
Fashion Ateliers in London
When you think of fashion capitals, London is likely one of the first cities to come to mind. It's no wonder the city is home to some of the best fashion ateliers who create beautiful, made-in-England clothing. These workshops are typically small, producing a limited number of high quality products with incredible skill. London's ateliers are experts in their field. They take great pride in their work, creating pieces with the utmost care and attention to detail for designer labels.
“Made in England" is more than just a label on a product- it is a symbol of quality and craftsmanship. By buying products that are made in England, you are supporting not only local economies, but also keeping alive the skills and heritage that go into making these products.