Leather Industry In Newton Abbot

Aligned with the wool industry the leather industry also thrived in Newton Abbot as shown in an agreement in 1580 between John Hayman and Richard Haymen. Another family which helped the leather trade to flourish were the Vicarys. The industry was still thriving circa 1800 when Moses Vicary was married to Rebecca Duke, a daughter of a wealthy boot and shoe merchant and the Vicary families helped the town to prosper, despite the ceasing of the manufacture in Newton Bushel of serge by 1805.

Leather

Leather


Washing Of Wool And Skins

The Branscombes owned a wool business on the corner of Halcyon Road. In 1787 Samuel Brancombe and Moses Vicary made agreements with the Lords of the Manor to wash wool and skins in the Mill Leat. Later the Samuel Branscombe’s business failed and sold out his wool business to the Vicarys and in 1837 Samuel’s son, who was in the leather industry, sold their tanyard in Bradley Lane to  the Vicarys.

Wool and Sheep

Wool and Sheep