Celebrating Craftsmanship: My Journey with the Company of Cordwainers in York

This weekend, I had the honour of being formally sworn into the Company of Cordwainers in York. This guild is one of the seven ancient guilds still thriving today.

A Rich History of Craftsmanship

The Company has roots that stretch back to the medieval period. It forms a vital part of York’s long-standing tradition of skilled trades and craftsmanship. The earliest recorded mention of the cordwainer trade in York can be found in the Freemen’s Rolls of 1272–1273. Here, “Thomas de Fulford, Cordwainer” is listed as the first entry. This historical context adds depth to my experience as a new member.

New Member of the Company of Cordwainers in York

The Art of Cordwaining

Cordwainers were traditionally artisans who worked with “cordwan,” a fine leather originally imported from Córdoba, Spain. This leather was typically made from goatskin. The Company’s coat of arms reflects this rich history, featuring goat heads that pay homage to the origins of the leather trade.

Historically, the guild played an essential role in York's life. It helped maintain trade standards, trained apprentices, and contributed to civic and religious events within the city.

As someone who spends most days hand-stitching leather goods in my studio, becoming part of an organisation with such a strong connection to traditional leatherworking feels genuinely meaningful. While modern leatherwork may look different from that of medieval York, many of the same values still apply: good materials, skill, patience, and making things properly.

A Journey of Growth

Morgan + Wells has steadily grown over the last few years. We’ve achieved this through commissions, exhibitions, teaching workshops, and championing traditional leatherworking alongside British-made materials. Joining the Company of Cordwainers feels like a significant milestone in that journey.

What I particularly appreciate about the Company is that it goes beyond history and ceremony. The Guild actively supports education, craftsmanship, charity work, and civic life in York today. It helps keep traditional trades visible and relevant in our modern world.

The Meaning Behind “Cordwain”

One fascinating aspect I discovered is the history behind the word “cordwain.” Originally, cordwain—or cordovan leather—referred broadly to fine leather produced in Córdoba during the medieval period. Much of this early leather was made from goatskin, which explains why the Company of Cordwainers' coat of arms features goat heads.

Today, many leatherworkers think of shell cordovan when they hear the term. However, modern shell cordovan is quite different. It is a highly specialised leather made from the fibrous membrane beneath the skin on a horse’s rump. Over time, the name became strongly associated with horsehide because shell cordovan developed a reputation as a luxury leather.

It’s intriguing how the meaning has evolved over the centuries. What started as fine goatskin leather from medieval Spain has transformed into one of the most recognised luxury horse leathers in the world today.

A Weekend to Remember

This weekend was truly enjoyable, and I feel immense pride in being part of the Company of Cordwainers in York. The experience has deepened my appreciation for the craft and the community surrounding it.

For more information about the Company of Cordwainers, visit The Company of Cordwainers of the City of York.

As I continue my journey in leatherworking, I look forward to embracing the values of craftsmanship and community that the Company represents. Each piece I create carries a story, and I am excited to be part of a legacy that values quality and tradition.

Let’s celebrate the art of leatherworking together! What stories do your handcrafted items tell?