The founder of Grenson was a gentleman called William Green, who having lost his father at the tender age of four, moved to Rushden, in Northamptonshire with his mother in 1839. Thus, it was his mother that provided him with the inspiration and skills for his boot craftsmanship as she taught him how to trade from their own home. Their business was initially established within their small cottage, as was most of the shoemaking that was occurring during this time. They continued to produce shoes in their home until 1860, when William left home and continued to produce the boots in his new home until 1866.

1866 saw a change in William's work as he became a 'factor', stopping the production of boots and shoes within his own home. A 'factor' was someone who went out to get the orders for shoes, gathered all of the materials and sought out craftsmen who could fulfil the orders. It was during this time that William established this as a company, forming William Green & Son.

This role involved much travelling between London and Rushden, making increasing numbers of sales to wholesalers, quickly establishing his company and becoming renowned for his exceptional quality boots and shoes. Employing some of the finest craftsmen within the shoe industry, the company were able to produce boots and shoes of the highest durability and calibre. Thus, after increased success the first factory was opened in 1874 as The 'Greens Yard' Factory. This factory became the first factory in the world to use the manufacturing process of Goodyear welt construction within the production of gentleman's shoes. Hence, Green & Son soon became known as Grenson, a brand name that retains its predominance today.

Just twenty years later in 1895, Grenson had to move to a larger factory to meet the increasing demands of their customers, purchasing the factory that remains the same today on Queen Street. Sadly, William died in 1901, but his determination and dedication to building a brand of quality is continued today, contained within the heritage of the old factory and brand philosophies. The Queen Street Factory was extended in 1913 at the same time that the Grenson brand name was registered; becoming one of the first brand names to have been registered in UK.

During the war Grenson survived by producing boots and shoes for the British soldiers, allowing them to survive the depression before the 1940's saw a vast increase in production sales, with them having to employ over 400 people. The Grenson brand was continued by the Green family with Charles Green following on from William Green, before Charles' son, CW Sidney Green overtook, followed by Williams great-grandson JW Heyden Green who ran the business until the 1980s. The business was then sold to the Purslow's who continued the Grenson brand for thirty years, until selling it in 2010 to Tim Little.