Heritage sheep breeds, also known as traditional or rare breeds, are specific breeds of sheep that have a long history of development and are recognized for their unique characteristics, genetic diversity, and cultural significance. These breeds have typically been raised by farmers for centuries and have adapted to specific local environments and farming practices.
18th Century Being the largest of the Cheviot breeds it produces a high bulk fleece. It is a hardy sheep which is particularly suited to grassy hills. It is all white and hornless. Fleece Details Breed History The North Country Cheviot is a heritage sheep breed that originated in the northern regions of England, particularly […]
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19th Century These gentle giants are the second largest British sheep breed producing a good quantity of fine fleece. It was developed by crossing Cotswold rams with Hampshire and South down ewes. Due to its reluctance to felt it is suitable for machine washing. Fleece Details Breed History The Oxford Down is a heritage breed
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14th Century This small hill sheep is said to of been running in the Cheviot hills since records began. They are alert and active, often used to train sheep dogs. They have a distinctive ruff behind their ears and the rams can have horns. Fleece Details Breed History The Cheviot Conservation sheep breed is a
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13th Century This heritage breed originated from the Isle of Portland off the southern coast of England, possibly the reason it escaped the ‘improvement’ efforts of the eighteenth century and remains a small sheep with a particularly soft fleece. Fleece Details Breed History The Portland sheep is a rare and ancient breed native to the
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18th Century A cross produced by mixing English Leicester (now extinct) with the Cheviot. Large hornless, with characteristic long ears and Roman nose. Fleece Details Breed History The Border Leicester is a breed of sheep that originated in the border region of England and Scotland. It is commonly referred to as the “Border Leicester” or
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17th Century The Jacob sheep breed from American smaller sheep to produce a larger animal for meat. Kept for their picturesque fleece and horns by the landed gentry. This easily managed sheep can be found throughout the UK, either 2 or 4 horned in both sexes. Fleece Details Breed History The Jacob sheep breed originated
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18th Century Evolved in the Tyne and Wear area specifically to breed with hardy hill sheep, producing a high quality meat and wool sheep. Sometimes referred to as the “Hexham Leicester”. A handsome tall sheep with a bold Roman nose. It is the most popular breed of the longwools. Fleece Details Breed History The Blue
Blue Faced Leicester Longwool Heritage Breed Read More »
19th Century The Teeswater, bred in Teesdale County Durham. Known for its longevity and prolific breeding ability Fleece Details Breed History The Teeswater sheep is a heritage breed of sheep that originated in the Teesdale area of Northern England, specifically in the counties of Durham and Yorkshire. It is primarily known for its long, lustrous
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19th Century The Wensleydale, bread in North Yorkshire, it is one of the finest wools from the English wool group. This breed can be traced back to a specific ram, ‘Bluecap’, born in 1839. Closely related to the Teeswater breed, its fleece is statistically the same. Fleece Details Breed History Wensleydale Longwool is a heritage
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Hand made artisan knitwear
Allow between 4 to 6 weeks
