Description:The former premises of Louis Sandy Ltd, on the corner of St. Patrick’s Place and St. Patrick’s Street, Stafford.
Behind this building were the Gainsborough Works. Originally built as James Day’s shoe factory in the 1860s it was named the Gainsborough Works in 1892 when Frederick Riley’s shoemaking company moved into the factory. ‘Gainsborough’ was one of their women’s shoe brands. Powered machines, including a Blake sole stitcher and a Boston tacker, were first introduced in 1896.
From 1909 the company was known as Frederick Riley Ltd., and before it closed in 1942, Frederick Riley & Sons. 129 people were employed in 1938. Frederick Riley died at his home, Cheslyn House on Rowley Avenue, aged 77 on 7 June 1935 and his sons Harold and Frederick Jr carried on the business.
The Gainsborough Works still stand, and between around 1962 and 2004 were occupied by Stafford Tool & Die (later Stafford Tool & Machine Co.)
(Additional information kindly provided by Mr Steve Powell)