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The Wellington boot has become a staple of everyday wear that we call upon to keep our feet dry on the wettest and muddiest days. Originally invented as a military boot in the early 19th century; it served the troops throughout the Great War and WW2, when it also became popular among civilians. It was invented after the famous military leader the 1st Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, decided a new type of boot was needed for the British Army to replace the existing Hessian boots. The old-style boots were knee-high, with a curved top that resembled a riding boot. Made of calf skin, they had a decorative tassel and a small V-shape cut into the front. While the Hessian boots could be worn comfortably with the tight-fitting woollen breeches that were part of Army uniform during the 18th century, a new type of uniform emerged in the 1790s for soldiers stationed in hot climates. Their tight woollen trousers were replaced by lightweight linen trousers and the Hessian boots did not fit comfortably with this new-style military garment.   Wellington boots' origins Wellington asked his shoemaker, George Hoby, of St James's Street, London, to make a boot that was easier to wear with the new trousers. Hoby designed boots that were cut lower, so they were more comfortable for riding. He also removed the tassel, which had become cumbersome. The new style became known as the Wellington boot. The Duke of Wellington was renowned for defeating the French military leader, Napoleon Bonaparte, at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. He was soon on his way to becoming a fashion icon as well when he wore the boots, even though they had been designed for practical purposes. His fame led to many other people wearing this boot and the style remained popular long after his death. They continued to be worn by the British Army, including by senior officers serving during the Crimean War, which began in 1853.   Hunter boots During the 19th century, the Wellington boot transformed from being manufactured from leather to vulcanised rubber in just a few years. More durable, the boots were now also waterproof. American entrepreneur, Henry Lee Norris, from New Jersey, and his business partner, Spencer Thomas Parmelee, of Connecticut, moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, to launch a new enterprise in January 1856. They founded Norris & Co - a brand that went on to become the famous Hunter Boot Ltd. When the company was founded, there were only four members of staff. Over the years, they made not only rubber boots, but also golf balls, tyres, conveyor belts, combs, hot water bottles and rubber flooring. Their reputation went from strength to strength and by 1875, 600 people were employed and there were offices in London and New York, as well as in Edinburgh.   World War 1 During the Great War, Hunter's Wellington boots really came into their own. Hunter Boot Ltd. was contracted by the War Office to manufacture massive amounts of rubber Wellingtons for the British troops. While deployed in the cold, wet trenches of the Western Front, it was essential the soldiers kept their feet dry. Continued exposure to water in the saturated trenches, which often flooded, led to a painful condition known as "trench foot". It was known to damage the tissues of the feet when they were exposed to cold water and mud for long periods. A very serious condition, it could lead to amputations and could even prove fatal if left untreated. The Wellington boots proved a success and as a result, Hunter Boot ran its mill 24 hours a day to keep up with the demand, manufacturing more than 1.1 million pairs of boots for the troops during WW1.   World War 2 During World War 2, Hunter was again called upon to produce boots for the British Armed Forces, largely due to the success of the brand during the Great War. Hunter manufactured regular Wellingtons and thigh-high boots for extra protection. Troops stationed in the Netherlands were continually operating in flooded conditions and the waterproof boots prevented conditions similar to trench foot. The company was also commissioned to provide other rubber products for the war effort including ground sheets, gas masks and lifebelts. Civilians too began buying the Wellington boots. Men, women and children wore them in wet weather, as apart from being waterproof, they were roomier than regular boots, with a thicker sole and comfortable rounded toe. Also, labourers began to use them for their jobs at this time. Due to rationing, people couldn't spend a lot of money on clothes and shoes, so they needed a low-cost, durable pair of boots that would last a long time.   The Original Green Wellington The popularity of Hunter boots continued after the war. Cheap to manufacture, completely waterproof and comfortable, they were exactly what people needed in the austerities of post-war Britain. Various industries adapted the boots as workwear and steel toe caps were added to some for extra safety. In 1956, Hunter Boot Ltd. launched The Original Green Wellington. It was loved by a lot of Brits who lived in rural locations. Over the years, the image of green Wellington boots has come to represent the British countryside. Since the war, sales of Wellingtons have remained constant. Becoming an iconic piece of British footwear, after Princess Diana was photographed wearing the Hunter Original Green Wellingtons when she was courting Prince Charles; thanks to her iconic status, sales rocketed, making Wellington boots a fashion item, rather than just a way of keeping your feet dry. Today, Wellington boots remain a popular item of footwear, particularly in Britain. People in rural locations and urban dwellers usually own a pair of Wellies for today's climate. Sales of Wellingtons have increased in recent years, due to the UK's ever-growing music festival culture. With typically wet weather, mud and onsite camping at most music festivals, everyone needs a pair!   Remembrance On Sunday 14^th November; the Royal British Legion will be leading the commemorative services in honour of the Armed Forces and their families from the UK and Commonwealth nations, members of the emergency services and people who lost their lives as a result of wars and terrorism. On 11^th November, at 11am; the MA Griggs team will be joining the nation to observe the 2-minute silence. We will remember them.