Mr. Charles Burchell, my grandfather, had five children with his first wife and another five with his second wife. His eldest son, Lawrence, was my father.
Charles Burchell was a skilled shoemaker and chiropodist with businesses in Waddon (47 Waddon Road, Croydon) and Thornton Heath (403 London Road, Croydon). He was among the few shoemakers who measured, fitted, and delivered custom-made shoes to customers’ homes. His workshop was located at the back of a shop near Waddon Bridge.
When he first started his shoemaking business, Charles sold made-to-measure ladies’ court shoes for 2s 9d per pair and ladies’ and gents’ riding boots for one guinea. In 1934, he expanded his services to include chiropody, setting up a modern surgery behind the Waddon shoe shop and another at his home in Thornton Heath. At that time, a chiropody session cost 1s 6d, which was considered quite expensive.
My first chiropody fee in 1956 was 3s 6d for both feet and 2s 6d for one foot. I practiced from a surgery on Fulham Palace Road, which I still manage, though I stopped practicing after a stroke in April 2012.
My father Lawrence, along with his brother Ronald, also worked as shoemakers and repairers. They operated a shop on Godstone Road, Kenley, near the junction with St. James’ Hill, just south of Croydon. They offered a unique collection and delivery service for repairs. Customers signalled for shoe collection by placing a sign with a large ‘B’ in their window.
Another of Charles Burchell’s sons was also a shoe repairer and new shoe supplier, trading in Belmont near Banstead. Only one other son pursued the shoe trade, selling shoes for Lilley & Skinner.
The front of the Waddon shop featured my father ready to deliver shoes by bicycle, with advertisements for Dr. Scholls, Zinopads, and prices of handmade shoes prominently displayed. Unfortunately, these shops no longer exist.
The workshop at the back of the Waddon shop was where shoes were made and repaired. My grandfather is in the foreground of the photograph, with his employees in the background.
The van used to collect and return shoes for repair braved all weather conditions. Customers would place a sign with a large “B” in their window to indicate shoes for collection. This photograph was kindly given to us by an elderly patient who discovered it among other pictures.