Hunter wellies
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Hunter Wellies
The Hunter story begins in the 1850's when an Englishman whose name has been lost in the mists of time patents a process to cure (vulcanise) natural rubber. An American entrepreneur, Mr. Henry Lee Norris, realised that the patent related solely to England so he registered his own trademark and patent in Scotland, and then arrived in search of a suitable site to produce rubber footwear.
Having acquired a block of buildings in Edinburgh, known as the Castle Silk Mills, the North British Rubber Company was registered as a limited company in September 1856.
Mr. Norris then had to find employees skilled in the manufacture of rubber footwear. This was no simple task for such a new industry. The problem was solved by importing labour. Four adventurous individuals from New York set sail on a ship laden with manufacturing machinery bound to become pioneers of the rubber industry in Scotland. They were employed not only to make boots, but also to instruct others in the process.
Although the company began its life as a manufacturer of rubber boots and shoes, it quickly expanded to produce an extensive range of rubber products. These included tyres, conveyor belts, combs, golf balls, hot water bottles and rubber flooring - to name just a few.
Initially the rubber boot was produced in a limited number but production was dramatically boosted with the advent of World War I. The North British Rubber Company was asked by the War Office to construct a sturdy boot suitable for the conditions in flooded trenches. The mills ran day and night to produce immense quantities of these trench boots. In total, 1,185,036 pairs were made to cope with the Army's demands. The fashionable boot was now a functional necessity.
Again the company made an important contribution during World War II. At the outbreak of war in September 1939, 80% of the entire output consisted of war materials. The list of contributions was extensive, including ground sheets, life belts, bomb covers, gas marks and wellington boots.
Although trench warfare was not a feature of the war, the wellington still played an important role. Those forces assigned the task of clearing Holland of the enemy had to work in terrible flooded conditions. Thus The North British Rubber Company was called upon to supply vast quantities of Wellingtons and thigh boots.
By the end of the war the wellington had become popular among men, women and children for wear in wet weather. The boot had developed to become far roomier with a thick sole and rounded toe. Also, with the rationing of that time, labourers began to use them for daily work.
To deal with this success the company extended their manufacturing premises in 1946, acquiring an extensive factory in Dumfriesshire. This factory, known as Heathhall, had been built in 1912 originally to manufacture car and aeronautical engines (the Arrold Johnston motor car was produced at this site).
The North British Rubber Company continued to prosper introducing both the green Hunter and the Royal Hunter Wellingtons into the market in the winter of 1954/1955. Trade reaction was very slow - an order of 36 pairs was regarded as quite an achievement. However, the company persisted in their promotion taking them to many country shows.
In 1966, the North British Rubber Company underwent a name change and from that date operated under the name of Uniroyal Limited.
In 1986 The Gates Rubber Company Limited of Colorado, Denver bought UniRoyal and the following year the name of the Scottish company was changed to The Gates Rubber Company Limited. In 1996, Gates was bought by Tomkins PLC of London, who sold it in 1999 to Interfloor, the country's largest manufacturer of carpet underlay. In 2004, the management of Hunter bought the footwear bit from Interfloor and for the first time ever, the business has become a freestanding independent company.
Hunter Wellies
Wellie pics
Snippets
The First Duke of Wellington designed the original Wellington Boot after his victory at Waterloo. He asked his shoemaker Hoby of St James to modify his Hessian boot into a plain boot with no decorative stitching in black leather with side seams, one-inch stacked straight heels, square or slightly rounded toes, and leather pull-on straps. It was worn under trousers. If it wisnae fur yer wellies!
Billy Connolly
Way of the Wellies
on CafePress
Snippets
American Henry Lee Norris produced the first rubber Wellington boot in Scotland in 1956. He chose to manufacture his boots in Scotland rather than the States because he believed that the endless Caledonian rain would mean more customers for his boots. Hunter Welly Socks
Hunter Solid Welly Socks,Red,M (US Women's 5-7 M)
Amazon Price: (as of 06/01/2012)
* Welly Socks are designed to fit Wellington Boots from Hunter
* Polyester fleece Warmers add thermal protection
* A turnover top keeps them in place
* Color: RED
* Size: M
Welly throwing
Hunter wellies
Premium Wellington Boots Red
Town and Country Premium Wellington Boots are made more...0 points
Premium Wellington Boots Green
Town and Country Premium Wellington Boots are made more...0 points
Wellington Boots: Hunter Brand Green
Hunter Brand Wellington Boots are the original Wel more...0 points
Hunter - Women's Roses Wellington Rain Boot
Stylish, patterned waterproof rubber Wellington Bo more...0 points
Tamara Henriques - Women's Guncheck Hunter Rain Boots
Inspired by a visit to a woollen mill in Scotland, more...0 points
Hunter Boots Women's RHS Clog
Wake up and smell the roses in these beautiful Hun more...0 points
Wellington Boots: Hunter Brand Black
Hunter Brand Wellington Boots are the original Wel more...0 points
Child's Green Camo Waterproor Rubber Rain Boots
Matching raincoat and umbrella are available!0 points
Hunter Boots Women's Fleece Welly Sock
Insulate your favorite pair of Hunter Boots with t more...0 points
Hunter - Kid's Navy Rain Boots
Knee-high classic Hunter design and legendary fit more...0 points
Hunter - Kid's Yellow Rain Boots
Knee-high classic Hunter design and legendary fit more...0 points
Wellie links
- Hunter Boot - The official home of Hunter wellies
- The official website of Hunter Boot Ltd, manufacturers and suppliers of high quality wellington boots and accessories by Royal appointment. The site is currently under construction but includes store locator, online outlets and contact information.
- Wellington Boots - Hunter Rubber Boots
- Hunter BootsUK
WELLINGTON BOOTS - Rubber Wellington Boots from the Hunter Boots Range
WellingtonsRubber BootsShooting
Wellingtons
Rubber Wellies for Hunti - Countrywear and Wellies/Wellington boots. Brands include Aigle, Hunter, Le Chameau, The Muck Boot Co., Tayberry, Evercreatures and Alternature. - The Welly Shop
- Wellington boots. Wellington boots from Aigle, Hunter, Le Chameau, Muck Boot Co., Lacrosse. Large range of wellies
- DiscountWellies.Co.Uk | Hunter Wellies Muck Boots Nora Wellingtons Bekina Dunlop Safety Argyll Boots Border Welly
- DiscountWellies.co.uk stock a wide range of quality wellington boots and accessories at low prices. Products include Hunter wellies, Muck boots, Nora wellingtons and safety wellingtons providing both functionality and fashion for country and outdoor pursuits.
- Cox the Saddler Hunter Wellingtons
- Hunter Wellington Boots for sale on-line from the UK. Hunter Classic, Hunter Original, Hunter Huntress, Hunter Stablemate or Hunter Sovereign boots available.
Hunter wellies
on eBay
BYE!
Hope to see you again soon... Stay dry!
HILLANDGLEN by Hillandglen
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