Leicester Longwool Sheep | Stratton Hall 1794

Leicester Longwool sheep, also known as the English Leicester (pronounced lester) are known for their long, lustrous, curly wool. They are also used for meat. Robert Bakewell developed the breed in England in the mid-1700s. Bakewell was the first breeder to use modern selection techniques to improve livestock breeds. George Washington learned of Bakewell’s sheep and purchased several rams to add to his own flock. The breed became very popular throughout Europe and America. However, faced with increasing competition from the Merino and other breeds, by the early 20th century the Leicester Longwool no longer existed in the U. S. In 1990 the Colonial Williamsburg foundation imported Leicester Longwools from Australia. Once again Leicester Longwool flocks can be found in the U S. The Livestock Conservancy has placed the Leicester Longwool on its Conservation Priority List and categorized it as Threatened which means there are fewer than 1,000 annual registrations in the United States and estimated global population of less than 5,000. We sell Leicester Longwool white and natural colored fleeces to hand spinners.