Boots probably worn by Queen Victoria

These boots were believed to have been worn by Queen Victoria. They are constructed from the finest materials and were made to fit the wearer's measurements and specifications. The monogrammed fronts show a butterfly finely decorated with gold metallic thread and beads. The button holes are lined inside with contrasting red kid leather, and the top edge of the boots is trimmed on the top edge with red silk. Stitched inside in gold is the name of Queen Victoria's boot maker, J Sparks, Hall & Son of 308 & 310 Regent Street, London along with the royal crest and Prince of Wales feathers.

According to the royal boot maker, Joseph Sparks Hall, boots like these were thought to give the best coverings for the feet. In 1846 he wrote a book on the subject titled The Book of Feet, in it he set out the benefits of wearing boots 'Not only do they look neat and tidy, but the general and gradual support they give all over the feet and ankles induces strength, and gives tone to the veins and muscles'.

He did however admit to the difficulty for the wearer of frequently having to unbutton and button up or lace this style of boot. Like many Victorians at the the time Hall was interested in the latest technological and industrial advances and in the search for a solution to this problem he came across elastic and is said to have actually invented the first elastic sided boot, of which he patented a version in 1837.

These boots once belonged to Alexander Lamont Henderson (1837-1907), personal photographer of Queen Victoria from 1884 until her death. The boots are thought to have been passed to him by Queen Victoria as a gift, a common practice during her reign.