Image for article: Cotswold Woollen Weavers

Cotswold Woollen Weavers

25 July 2023
Butler Sherborn logomark

Keep up to date with the latest properties, rural business insights, market commentary and events:

Join mailing list

500 years ago the Cotswolds were inhabited by many more sheep than people. Flocks of Cotswold sheep roamed the hills, and their fleeces were exported all over Europe.

The medieval wool merchants grew rich and built their ' wool churches' and their manor houses. The weavers of the Low Countries in northern Europe used to sing of the virtues of Cotswold wool, and to this day the Lord Chancellor sits in parliament on a woolsack to mark the historical importance of the wool trade.

Many of the beautiful buildings across the Cotswolds were built directly as a result of this lucrative trade. Examples of these buildings can be seen in almost every village in the Cotswolds. Chipping Campden and Tetbury both have excellent examples of wool markets and the Witney Blanket Hall displays the measuring room for the finished product. Dick Whittington was originally a wool merchant, before becoming Lord Mayor of London and many of the stately houses in the Cotswolds can trace their heritage in part at least to the wool trade.

The Cotswolds has a very free draining soil on Cotswold stone, known as ‘Cotswold brash’. It is, as a result, more suitable as grazing than as arable land. The golden hoof of the sheep works well on the Cotswold hills, where the pasture was generally too poor to sustain cattle all year round. The wool trade was a fundamental contributor to the economy of the nation from medieval times until the end of the 18th century, when other trades from the expanding empire began to challenge it’s hegemony.

Nowadays there are fewer sheep in the Cotswold hills, but at Cotswold Woollen Weavers the tradition of fine woollens continues. They still design a wide range of woollen cloths, garments, knitwear, rugs and accessories. The evocative smell of wool-oil welcomes visitors to the splendid 18th century buildings, and there is plenty to explore: machinery, exhibition areas, museum, 'explorium', a coffee-shop and a picnic area.

Open Wednesdays - Saturdays 10.00-6pm

Cotswold Woollen WeaversFilkinsLechladeGloucestershire GL7 3JJUK

Tel: 01367 860660Mob: 0771 3636 415Email: richard@naturalbest.co.uk

Website: www.cotswoldwoollenweavers.co.uk

Butler Sherborn are currently selling Fantails, Kencot in the neighbouring village to Filkins, a 4 bedroom barn conversion Guide Price £1,000,000  https://www.butlersherborn.co.uk/lechlade/nid3291

 

News & Comment
Read Article
Huxmor Mortgages

Mortgage Rates - Recent Developments

Charlie Huxley, the founder of Huxmor Limited, discusses the recent developments in mortgage rates. While the changes may not be dramatic, they create a vital opportunity for homebuyers and landlords to take decisive action and leverage on strategic advantages.

Market Update
Read Article
The Woolpack Pub

Pub Of The Month - The Woolpack, Slad

Nestled in the Slad Valley, The Woolpack has been celebrated for its unique charm for more than 300 years.

Pub Of The Month
Read Article
Cotswold Country Homes

Five Of Our Finest Country Home's

Exploring timeless elegance and rural charm in the heart of the Cotswold countryside and surrounding areas.

Five Of Our Finest Country Homes
Read Article
Renters Reform Q&A

Crucial Insights On The Renters' Rights Bill

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest Renters' Rights Bill. Vanessa Carter, the Head of Lettings at Butler Sherborn, shares valuable insights from the agency’s perspective, while Bethen Abraham, a legal expert from Willans LLP Solicitors, delivers an informed legal stance on this significant legislation.

Renters' Rights Bill - Q&A
A laptop on a desk with houseplants an coffee
Instant Digital Valuation

Wondering what your property is worth?

Get an estimated valuation for you property using our free digital valuation tool.

CAAV logo
The London Office logo
The Property Ombudsmen logo
Rics logo
Team Way Eventing logo
Rightmove logo