The Past: A Heritage of Wool
Wool production has deep roots in British history. For thousands of years, sheep farming and wool production have played a vital role in shaping the country’s economy, culture, and landscapes.
British wool was so valuable that medieval kings-imposed taxes on its export, and it became a cornerstone of international trade.
6000 BC
First sheep domesticated in Europe – descendants of the Mouflon breed.
4000 BC
Neolithic Settlers
Sheep, similar to Soay, were introduced to the UK by Neolithic settlers.
1900 BC
Bronze Age
Wool is spun and woven into cloth in Britain in the Bronze Age.
55 BC
Romans Invade
Romans invade bringing hornless, white-face sheep, similar to Romney and Ryelands.
700 AD
Export of woolen fabrics to the continent.
865
Danes Invade
Danes invaded bringing horned black-face sheep, similar to Blackface, Swaledale and Herdwicks.
1100-1199
Wool Becomes Britain’s Most Important Export
Wool become the backbone and the driving force of the economy and the largest flocks of sheep belong to abbeys and monasteries, resulting in the wealth of cities such as Norwich, York, and Coventry being built on wool.
1327
The ‘Wooksack’
The ‘Woolsack’ is introduced in the House of Lords, by King Edward III, symbolising the importance of the wool trade to the British economy.
1600-1699
The Rise of Textiles Industry
The rise of the woollen cloth industry in cities like Leeds and Halifax; wool becomes a central commodity during the Industrial Revolution.
1791
Wool Types by Breed
Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster formed the British Wool Society. The Society carried out intensive field studies of many native and continental sheep breeds with the aim of improving the national flock.
1830s
Sheep Farming Expands
Sheep farming expands significantly with the rise of mechanised wool processing during the Industrial Revolution.
1867
Wool Exchange Opened in Bradford
The Wool Exchange Building in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England was built as a wool trading centre in the 19th century. The grandeur of its Gothic Revival architecture is symbolic of the wealth and importance that wool brought to Bradford.
1939
Wool Control established so industry could provide clothing for the army.
The Present: Sustainability and Quality
Today, British wool continues to be recognised for its quality, sustainability, and versatility.
The organisation, British Wool, works with over 30,000 sheep farmers across the UK, ensuring that the wool farmers produce is sold and supports British agriculture.
From fashion and textiles to insulation and carpets, British wool is valued worldwide for its durability and environmental credentials.
1950
The British Wool Marketing Board
British Wool (officially the British Wool Marketing Board) is established to support UK sheep farmers, ensuring fair prices and promoting the industry globally.
1967
The Heart of Textiles and Manufacturing
British Wool relocated from London to Bradford, West Yorkshire. The heart of textiles and manufacturing.
1972
Shepherd’s Crook Logo
British Wool trademarked and launched its Shepherd’s Crook logo. A logo to reassure consumers of the provenance of virgin British wool within a product.
1980
Opened our Japanese Office
Global expansion with the opening of an office in Japan, promoting British wool in new markets.
1992
British Wool Shearing Courses
British Wool held it’s first shearing training session.
2001
Foot & Mouth Impact
The epidemic of Foot & Mouth hit farms across the UK, which resulted in a 20% deduction in the annual wool clip.
2003
Electronic Wool Auction
British Wool’s first electronic wool auction was held.
2010
The Campaign For Wool
The Campaign for Wool was launched at Wimpole Farm in Cambridgeshire, with HM King Charles III when he was HRH The Prince of Wales.
2012
Relocated to Wool House
Head Office relocated from Clayton to Wool House on Canal Road in Bradford.
2018
Expand into China
British Wool established it’s China office.
2021
Online Marketplace
Online marketplace launched as a one-stop shop for authentic British wool products.
2022
Wool Traceability & Provenance
British Wool launched the first traceable wool scheme to promote the importance of origin of end products.
The Future: Innovation and Sustainability at the Core
As we look to the future, British Wool is committed to driving innovation, sustainability, and growth for wool products.
We continue to work closely with the farming community, universities, and brands to ensure that wool remains an integral part of a sustainable future.
Areas for the future:
- Innovation: Investment in research and development will see new uses for wool emerge.
- Fashion and Interiors: Through collaborations with forward-thinking brands and designers, British Wool will continue to be at the forefront of sustainable fashion and home interiors.
- Public Awareness.
- Sustainability.
As a natural, renewable, and biodegradable resource, British wool offers unparalleled potential for a sustainable future.
At British Wool, we’re proud of our heritage but equally excited about the possibilities ahead.
We invite you to join us in celebrating wool’s remarkable journey – from its rich past to its bright future.