Peal and Company Limited
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Shoemaking |
| Founded | 1565 |
| Founder | Samuel Peal (formal founding in London, 1791) |
| Defunct | 1965 |
| Fate | Acquired by Foster & Sons; brand acquired by Brooks Brothers |
| Headquarters | London (from 1791) , England, United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom |
Key people | Samuel Peal, Nathaniel Peal |
| Products | Boots and shoes |
Number of employees | Over 200 (19th century) |
Peal & Co (Peal and Company Limited) was a distinguished English shoemaker operating from 1565 until its closure in 1965. This historic British enterprise catered to prominent clientele and underwent multiple relocations before its acquisition by Foster & Sons. Presently, the Peal & Co brand is utilized by Brooks Brothers for their collection of English-made boots and shoes, primarily produced in Northampton, and retailed through their outlets.
The origins of Peal & Co date back to 1565, with the company adopting its name in 1791 following a move to London. Prior to this relocation, it identified itself as "the oldest-established and most successful makers in the world" while based in Durham and Derby. In 1965, Brooks Brothers acquired the Peal & Co name to represent their upscale footwear line.
Initially operating without a formal name from 1565 until 1761, the business relocated to Durham before Samuel Peal founded Peal & Co in London in 1791. By the nineteenth century, employing over 200 workers, it stood as one of London’s largest and most esteemed manufacturers. Samuel Peal pioneered a shoe waterproofing technique by applying Indian rubber to leather, an innovation particularly effective in London's damp environment.
The company remained under the stewardship of six generations of the Peal family, with Nathaniel Peal—Samuel’s son—apprenticing and eventually managing the firm. Their expert craftsmanship was showcased at the Great Exhibition of 1851. Throughout the twentieth century, Peal & Co shoes symbolized British elegance and resilience, attracting distinguished figures including royalty and celebrities like Hugh Trevor-Roper, Fred Astaire, Gary Cooper, Rex Harrison, Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Barry Goldwater, Conde Nast, Teddy Roosevelt, JFK, Laurence Olivier, and Charles Chaplin.
Although the company ceased operations in 1965, Brooks Brothers has preserved the Peal & Co emblem for marketing British footwear. Under this brand, they have retailed shoes produced by Cheaney & Sons, Church's, Edward Green, Crockett & Jones, Alfred Sargent, and Loake Brothers.