Shoemakers. From French "Cordwain," Cordovan leather, made in imitation of the leather of Cordova or Corduba in Spain, manufactured later to a great extent from goatskin (Lib. Cust. 713, and Prompt. Parv. 92).
Workers or makers of new leather called "cordewaners," workers or makers of old leather called "cobelers," 1410, ii H. IV. (Cal. P.R. 1408-13, p. 158).
Incorporated 1410 under the title of Cordwainers and Cobblers.
A Dictionary of London. Henry A Harben. 1918.