Tracing the lineage of ancient and heritage breeds discovering which are the best to use for knitwear.
4 of 20 Stages of the Evolution of British Wool Invasion of the Danes in 865AD The third influence on the British sheep lineage was the invasion of the Vikings who bought with them the hardy, black faced, horned sheep whose fleece ranged from grey to brown. These hardy sheep were well suited to life […]
Invasion of the Danes in 865AD a third lineage arrives Read More »
3 of 20 Stages of the Evolution of British Wool The Roman invasion of Britain introduced a white and hornless sheep with a very shoft fleece. These sheep evolved into our longwool varieties, including the Cotswold, Ryeland, Romany and Leicester, all producing exceptionally fine wools. Early Ryeland sheep breed, featurd in J.Jenkins (1975) The wool
55AD New hornless breed introduced with Roman invasion Read More »
2 of 20 Stages of the Evolution of British Wool A neolithic stone carved pattern representing eternal life found in the UK. This was the time that sheep were first recorded in Britain. The genetic make-up of these sheep were very close to the Soay sheep currently found on the island of St Kilda off
The Neolithic period 4000BC sheep were first recorded Read More »
In the UK there are 60 registered sheep breeds and many more cross breeds, producing a diversity of fleece types. The aim of my research has been to determine a sustainable, natural and local fiber source and British wool fulfills all these requirements. This natural resource is being under-utilised at the moment due to the
