The British Boot Company (formerly known as Holts) is a shoe shop in Camden Town in London famous for being the first retailer in the world to sell Dr. Martens footwear in 1958.
Holts, the predecessor of British Boot Company, started out in 1851 selling hob nail boots. In the 1980s, the shop changed name to British Boot Company, but the business is still in the same family. In the 1970s and 1980s the shop became a mecca for skinheads and punks from all over the world, who came to buy boots or brothel creepers. You could also borrow a marker pen and write messages on the walls that would then be read by other skinhead crews or punk bands on tour.
In the late 1970s, the shop's charismatic owner, Alan Roumana, formed a close association with the local band North London Invaders, who went on to become the pop band Madness. Madness used to buy loafers from the shop, and the band featured the store in their music video "The Prince". Members of The Clash, Sex Pistols and UK Subs also became regular customers.