Boot, child's boot

A controversial pair of children’s boots (goes with A18294), believed to have belonged to King Charles I, when he was a child.

These ‘iron boots’ have been attributed to Charles I (1600-1649) as a child. There are however contrasting opinions and evidence as to the origins and purpose of these boots for the young Prince.

There is some evidence that Charles I had trouble walking as a small child, and consequently these boots may have been made for him as a walking aid on the instructions of his governor Richard Carey (c.1560-1639). A pair was reportedly made from Spanish leather and metal, due to the additional strength and sturdiness it would provide. However Carey’s wife is said to have protested and it is suggested the young Prince improved without the help of these ‘iron boots’. This evidence is marred by the dates of the correspondents by the Carey’s regarding Charles and these boots, as they date to very early in his childhood, whereas the sizing of these boots suggest an older child.

Alternately these boots could have been a gift to the Prince from the Russian envoy whilst visiting the court of James I in 1613. There is speculation that the leather and metalwork is of Russian craftsmanship. The dates of the Russian visit better align with the age of Charles and the size of the boots.

The boots are made of black leather with decorative metal heel plates and decorative thread work alongg the top edge, down the centre back seam, and around the metal heel; the metal heel is horse shoe in shape and is decorated in layers of relief work and embossing techniques, twisted bands and knots travelling up and over the heel of the boot. Due to deterioration to the leather, the right boot reveals a horizontal spring coil, layered at the top of the heel stack. There are also visible makers nail indentations on the sole of the boot.