Believed to have been brought across by the Vikings around the time of the great Army 865 AD it originated in Scandinavia, the Herdwick has developed over centuries on the Lake District fells. ‘Herdwyck’ means sheep pasture and is recorded in 12th century documents. We have however been informed that the Romans used a "herdwick" type of fleece in the construction of roads .
CHARACTERISTICS Regarded as the most hardy of all British breeds and can survive on the highest ground. White head and legs; the rams are usually horned. The lambs are born with a black fleece and, as the brittle, white ‘kemp’ fibres increase with age, the mature fleece becomes grey.
 
Staple length =10-20cms
 
Can be used as rugs, and covering for chairs. A larger version is also available.
 
NOTE: Although we are ourselves, through the expertise ourselves and that of our supplier sure that the fleece we are providing is of the breed we identify we cannot 100% guarantee this due to the fact they are not identified prior to entering the Tannery. They are chosen based upon the skills of the suppliers and clear characteristics of the breed type.