NAVIGATION

Sheep were once an important part of the economy in rural Britain. Medieval market towns, villages, cathedrals and parish churches were built as a direct result of the trade in wool. The pastoral landscape so admired by 'Capability' Brown in the 18th century was in part the product of centuries of grazing by flocks of sheep.
Over 50 breeds of sheep evolved in Britain, but only a small proportion of these are still in full commercial use. With the invention of modern synthetic fibres, wool declined in its importance as a valuable commodity and most flocks of sheep are now bred to produce fat lambs for the meat market.