A long established family business that knows about shoes, situated in the market town Ashbourne on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District, 12 miles from Derby. Established in 1830 by John Wigley and later sold to Arthur Edgar Winstone around 1911, passing to his son Roger Winstone after the Second World War, who expanded the shop in the 1950’s. Barbara Leyland is now the third generation of the
Winstone family to own and run the business, taking over with the help of her husband Eddie in 1988. Barbara is able to trace her family’s association with the shoe trade back to the 16th Century as Master Shoe and Boot Makers in Gloucestershire. Our historic building has a rich history dating back over three hundred years and was formerly “The Blackamoor’s Head”, an old coaching inn that also housed the town assembly rooms where renowned literary figure Dr Samuel Johnson would entertain family and friends. Later Napoleonic prisoners of war housed in the town would also use rooms in the building to celebrate mass. There have also been many reported sightings of ghosts and apparitions by staff and customers in the shop over the years, particularly on the first floor in what is now our ladies clothing department. Barbara and Eddie have continued to sympathetically renovate and expand the business over the past 25 years, retaining much of the buildings Georgian character while aiming to provide an enjoyable shopping experience for our customers. Oak floors, exposed wooden beams, display units hand made by local craftsmen and creative lighting and décor combine to make a unique and refreshing change from the usual high street stores. We have a large selection of ladies, gents and children’s footwear in many styles, colours, sizes and fittings which all our trained staff will be happy to advise on finding the right products for your needs. Many customers travel from all over the UK to experience the personal service provided by Wigleys Shoes. As well as our shoes we also have a ladies clothing department, consisting of reasonably priced fashionable styles from evening wear to travel capsule wardrobes, to country casual, with a range of handbags,jewellery, scarves and other accessories to complement any outfit. Wigleys Shoes and Emporium staff are always on hand to assist you and are more than happy to offer advice to find the style they are looking for. As we like to provide a more personal shopping experience please telephone us for helpful friendly advice on our styles, sizing and fitting of shoes and ladies fashions on 01335 342884
