The town's association with leather goods began in the Middle Ages, when craftsmen specialised in making bridle bits and stirrups. The Industrial Revolution encouraged the growth of these small industries, and by the 21st century, Walsall had about 90 leather companies that exported their products worldwide. However, the light leather goods trade has faced competition from overseas and these days the focus is on the luxury market and making goods for well-known brands. Many of our workers have been at the factory for decades, passing on their knowledge to new generations using a variety of hand-finishing techniques.

In 1793, at the age of thirteen, George Cliff began his apprenticeship in the manufacture of bridles. His son Jabez Cliff founded an equestrian based leather business in Portland Street, Walsall (the same street Abbeygate’s factory is located), which became known as the Cliff Barnsby company. Today Barnsby equestrian leather products remain in demand around the globe.