Shoe

Date: Mid 1300s

As well as telling us about changes in fashion, shoes can yield information about the health of the wearer's feet. This shoe dates from around 1350. It has been cut on the front and sides to alleviate the pressure on a foot deformed by both a 'hammer toe' and a bunion. The toes would have been bunched in a claw-like manner, whilst the bunion would have caused a large swelling on the side of the foot, below the big toe. In some cases wear on the sole of the shoe indicates how the wearer walked, if they limped or were 'pigeon-toed' (with the feet pointing inwards).

Accession number: BC72[250]<3777/1>

Place of collection: Baynard's Castle, Baynard House, Queen Victoria Street EC4 [City of London]

Material: leather

Measurements: Length: 235 mm; Height at ankle: 55 cm

Gallery location: Case 16.2

Subjects:

Dress
Health

Objects:



The Museum of London Group is funded by the City of London and the Greater London Authority. Museum of London, London Wall, LONDON EC2Y 5HN, United Kingdom. Copyright & legal notices. This site is maintained by the Museum IT Team.