Cotswold Sheep

Cotswold sheep originated in the Cotswold region of England. Wool has long been an important English commodity, and the Cotswolds an important source for it. Cotswold fleece is long-stapled (more than 6 inches) and reasonably lustrous. The natural luster and the clarity with which it accepts dye made the wool ideal for loose-twist worsted spinning, and weaving into soft-furnishing cloths.

500 years ago wise men agreed that half the wealth of England rides on the back of the sheep - wool exports paid for Richard the Lionheart's ransom to the Saracens. The Lord Chancellor sits in The House of Lords to this day on a sack stuffed with wool to show the pre-eminent position which the wool industry has played in this country's affairs. The medieval weavers of 12th century Flanders happily sang:

The best wool in Europe is Cotswold
and the best wool in England is Cotswold

There is evidence that the Romans brought sheep with them as they battled northwards. Perhaps they introduced them to the Cotswold hills around the important Roman settlement at Corinium, the modern Cirencester. They would have valued these sheep for their milk and for their fleece: shivering Southern European mercenary soldiers needed warm winter coats.

Until the late 19th century, and advanced mechanical innovation, it was not possible to spin worsted yarn from short fiber. The wool from which worsted yarn was spun had to be combed by hand to eliminate short hair and to align every fiber parallel to the direction of the yarn. Then tight, flat yarn could be spun and tough, sleek cloth could be woven. Cotswold wool was ideal for worsted spinning and the Cotswold breed was highly prized.

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