The Origins of Wool

The use of wool dates back over 10,000 years, when early societies began domesticating sheep in Central Asia and the Middle East. Unlike animal skins, wool could be shorn from sheep annually, spun into yarn and woven into textiles.

As wool production spread through Europe, it became central to trade and craftsmanship. The Romans introduced advanced sheep breeding and textile techniques to Britain, recognising the island’s ideal climate for raising sheep. Over time, Britain developed a reputation for producing some of the finest wool in the world.

Britain’s Wool Heritage

By the Middle Ages, wool was the backbone of the English economy. English fleece was exported across Europe, particularly to textile centres in northern Belgium and Italy. The wealth generated by wool merchants was so significant that the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords still sits on the historic “Woolsack”, a symbol of wool’s importance to the nation.

The Industrial Revolution later transformed the wool industry. Innovations in spinning and weaving allowed mills in Yorkshire and northern England to produce fabrics at scale while maintaining quality. Many of these historic textile regions continue to produce world-class wool fabrics today.

Lambswool and Premium Yarn Spinners

One of the most prized forms of wool used in knitwear is lambswool. Lambswool is taken from a sheep’s first shearing, producing fibres that are softer and more resilient than standard wool.

For knitwear, quality begins with the yarn. Renowned British spinner Z. Hinchliffe & Sons has been producing premium wool yarns in Yorkshire since the 18th century. Their lambswool yarns are celebrated for colour and softness, making them ideal for classic knitwear.

Explore our knitwear and jumpers for refined layering across the colder months.

The Craft of British Woollen Fabrics

While knitwear begins with yarn, tailored jackets and suits rely on expertly woven cloth. Several historic mills continue to uphold Britain’s reputation for producing some of the finest fabrics available.

Alfred Brown, established in Yorkshire in 1915, is renowned for classic worsted cloths used in tailoring. Their fabrics are prized for structure, durability and refined finish, making them well suited to elegant jackets and suits.

Traditional Irish craftsmanship is represented by Molloy & Sons, a family-run Donegal mill known for distinctive tweeds. Their fabrics feature the colourful flecks and textured character that define authentic Donegal weaving.

Meanwhile, Marton Mills continues the strong tradition of Yorkshire wool production. Their versatile wool fabrics combine heritage weaving techniques with contemporary colours and patterns, making them ideal for modern outerwear and jackets.