Turnshoes

Construction notes for a shoe from Parliament Street, York, dated 10th-13th century.

A pattern for men's shoes of the type worn by the figures in the Book of Kells.

Tricks, tips, hints, and historical facts to help even the beginner in leather working make historical ly constructe d medieval turnshoes and pouches. Guidance on basic tools, stitches, constructi on techniques , materials, and books to inspire the reader to try making those all-import ant accessorie s that really finish an impression in the SCA or reenactmen t.

Patterns and drawings of early shoes from Northern Caucasus.

German Renaissance style of shoe known as the cow-mouth shoe. PDF with brief instructions for making a pair, and information about construction techniques, archaeological finds and artwork.

The original proposal for the research and publicatio n of the large assemblage of leather artefacts and leatherwor king evidence from four sites in Anglo-Scan dinavian and medieval York specified that the work be undertaken in two distinct stages:


Stage 1: completion of the archive and preparatio n of a detailed publicatio n synopsis.


Stage 2: analysis, research and publicatio n.

The initial data gathering and quantifica tion has been successful ly completed and this document represents the detailed publicatio n synopsis, work programme and timetable necessary for the completion of stage 2.

Instructions for making simple turnshoes.

Also online at www.raggedstaff.com/articles/shoes.html.

Step-by-st ep photos illustrati ng the process of making turnshoes.

Tutorial for making a basic pair of turnshoes.

Archeologi cal evidence from the Norse world is limited enough that, to put together a complete outfit, you may have to mix and match a bit from different times and places. This PDF file is from our slide show, depicting various Norse dress accessorie s. While the class is more interestin g in person because of its discussion format, the online version has lots of nice photos. If you like this link, also check out www.jomsb.org/Sunnifa/Accessories/Norsewidgets.pdf.

Easy pointy shoes out of modern leather, which will look accurate at normal distances.

The characteristics of leather were just as important then as they are today: flexibility, strength and durability.

Two 12th century examples of shoe uppers decorated with runic inscriptions from medieval Bryggen wharf, Bergen, Norway.

Simple instructions & methods for constructing turnshoes for the High Middle Ages.

Never-Fails Simple Shoe Pattern.

Examples of shoes made by reenactors, with patterns for turnshoes.

A pattern for an Irish shoe dating between the 8th and 10th centuries.

This handout/cl ass is a set of tricks, tips, hints, and historical facts to help even the beginner in leather working make historical ly constructe d medieval turnshoes and pouches. This will have guidance on basic tool, stitches, constructi on techniques , materials, and books that will hopefully inspire the reader to take a chance and try making those all important accessorie s that really finish an impression in the SCA or reenactmen t.

Some of the informatio n, tips, and tricks come from books on the subject, others from practical experience , and some from expert leather tradesmen who were willing to share and pass on knowledge to the writer.

Definitions of "turnshoes," and a general method of construction.

A handout from a class on turnshoe-making, including lists of suggested supplies and readings and links to websites.

These boots are adapted from ones found at the York (Jorvik) dig in England. Instead of blind-stitching the soles as in the originals, these are overcast. This is easier for the novice to handle. For the experienced leatherworker, you can turn the edges of the upper under and stitch to the sole.

Step-by-step instructions with photos.