Thomas Gotch white plaque

This white commemorative plaque records: Chesham House. Built c.1762 saw the beginnings of the Kettering shoe manufacturing industry. Thomas Gotch (1748-1806) who lived here, formed the town's first shoe and leather business in 1778 eventually employing 500 workers and this house was the headquarters of the firm for 79 years. Thomas Gotch played a leading part in founding the Baptist-Missionary Society in 1792 and substantially aided William Carey (1761-1834) who became the great missionary to India. In his early days as a shoemaker Carey used to walk to Moulton carrying his bag of finished boots. The Gotch family was prominent in town life for 150 years.