New to the Cordiners? Start here.
Our name comes from Glasgow’s shoemaking heritage. Today, the Incorporation brings that history together with charitable work, education and fellowship. These are some of the questions visitors and prospective members ask.
Understanding the Craft
What is a Cordiner?
Cordiner is the Scots form of cordwainer: a shoemaker. The name is associated with working fine leather. The Glasgow Cordiners preserve that craft identity while supporting charitable work today.
What is the Incorporation of Cordiners?
We are one of the fourteen incorporated crafts of the Trades House of Glasgow and a registered Scottish charity, SC016220. Our activities include Body and Sole, wider charitable giving, educational support and preserving the Craft’s history.
How are the Cordiners connected with the Trades House?
The Cordiners are one of the fourteen crafts that make up the Trades House of Glasgow. Each Craft has its own identity and activities, alongside its participation in the wider Trades House community.
Is the Incorporation still a shoemaking business?
The Incorporation’s historic role included regulating entry to the trade and the quality of goods. Its present role centres on charity, education, heritage and fellowship. For more, explore our history and heritage.
Joining and taking part
Do I need to be a shoemaker to join?
No. Working in the trade is no longer a condition of membership. If you are interested in the Craft’s charitable work, heritage and fellowship, the Clerk can explain how to apply.
Do I need a family connection?
No. The Near Hand route is for eligible family connections; the Far Hand route is for applicants without that connection. The Clerk can advise which route applies.
What does joining involve?
The usual process involves the required Burgess status, matriculation with the Trades House and admission to the Cordiners. The Clerk can explain the sequence and help with the current forms. See our membership page.
How much does membership cost?
The amount depends on the route and circumstances of the application. Contact the Clerk for the current charges before applying, including any separate Burgess or Trades House fees.
What do members do?
Members support the Incorporation’s charitable and educational work, maintain its heritage and take part in fellowship and Craft occasions. Ask the Clerk about the opportunities available and the arrangements for attending events.
Supporting our work and exploring the records
What is Body and Sole?
Body and Sole is the Cordiners’ footwear initiative for children and young people. It works with schools and other partners to help remove the cost of suitable footwear as a barrier to sport, physical activity and outdoor learning. Read about the programme.
How can I support Body and Sole?
You can donate through the existing Body and Sole giving page or contact the Clerk about other ways to support the programme.
Can I ask about footwear support?
Schools, services and community organisations can contact the Clerk with their organisation’s details and the type of support being sought. Please enquire first about the current arrangements and eligibility.
Can you help with family or historical research?
Start with the Deacons Archive and archive search. For a further enquiry, send the Clerk the person’s name, relevant dates and the record or subject you are researching.
Still have a question?
The Clerk is the contact for membership, Body and Sole and historical enquiries. A short description of your enquiry will help it reach the right place.
Further reading: Cordiners at the Trades House of Glasgow; “Cordiner” in Dictionaries of the Scots Language.
