The History of F.W. Tyson – A Legacy of Footwear Excellence
Established in 1887, F.W. Tyson has been at the heart of Ambleside, Lake District, for over a century, providing expertly fitted footwear to generations of customers. Our story begins with Frederick William Tyson, a skilled shoemaker inspired by his grandfather, a master craftsman from Scotland.
Fred opened his first shop in Bowness-on-Windermere, crafting and selling high-quality footwear, often creating bespoke shoes for local gentry. His reputation for quality and service grew, and by 1899, he expanded to larger premises. As the Lake District became a popular tourist destination, Fred’s shop welcomed visitors from across the country – even wealthy passengers from transatlantic cruise ships passing through Liverpool.
Fred’s legacy lived on through his sons and grandsons, who continued the family business. In 1941, F.W. Tyson expanded to Ambleside, where we remain today. The business thrived under the leadership of Malcolm Tyson, a well-respected figure in the local community who played a key role in shaping its success. A keen classic car and motorcycle enthusiast, Malcolm upheld the family’s dedication to quality footwear retail, ensuring the business continued to grow.
Malcolm later handed down the business to his son, Graham Tyson, who dedicated 46 years to running F.W. Tyson with the same passion and commitment as his predecessors. Under Graham’s leadership, the business continued to evolve while maintaining its core values of craftsmanship, quality, and customer service. After nearly five decades at the helm, Graham has now retired, passing the business into the hands of the fifth generation of the Tyson family.
Ownership now lies with Graham’s niece (Malcolm’s granddaughter) and her husband, ensuring that F.W. Tyson remains family-run, as it has been for over 135 years. At the heart of the business is Tilly, Malcolm’s youngest daughter, who has dedicated over 40 years to working in the shop and now manages the day-to-day running of the business.
Over the years, we’ve evolved from selling traditional British-made shoes to becoming one of the first UK stockists of Mephisto footwear in 1982. Now a specialist in high-quality walking boots and lifestyle footwear, we stock world-renowned brands such as Mephisto, Lowa, Meindl, and Birkenstock. Whether you're a local, a visitor exploring the fells, or simply looking for expertly fitted footwear, we welcome you to experience the F.W. Tyson difference.
Visit our Ambleside store or shop online with free UK delivery – and step into a tradition of excellence that has stood the test of time.
(above photo) Mr Malcolm Tyson 2015
(above photo) Mr Graham Tyson with his Father, Mr Malcolm Tyson