If the shoe fits... tourist drive for Bolton, home of the trainer

A TOUR of England’s great historical landmarks might take in the Houses of Parliament, Stonehenge and Stratfordupon-avon. But if Historic England has its way, visitors could also take a pilgrimage to Bolton, as the place where trainers were invented in 1895.

The organisation is campaigning for recognition for 100 places across England that were responsible “for changing the country and the world”.

Its survey found that the public has little idea of the historic places in their midst, with the majority believing trainers were invented in the US.

In fact, Bolton trader Joe Foster began producing “running pumps” 122 years ago. Half a century later, his grandsons went on to found Reebok.

Other English inventions include the bungee jump. The first official example was at the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol in 1979. Most people surveyed thought it happened in New Zealand.

The new campaign, Irreplaceable: A History of England in 100 Places, invites the public to nominate other sites of historical interest that “can best tell England’s remarkable story”.

Duncan Wilson, of Historic England, said: “By telling a history of England in 100 places, we want to help people understand the many spots across our country that have shaped the world.”