Wednesday 26th February 2025
7.30pm
Freshford Village Memorial Hall
Robert Arkell, Bradford on Avon Museum’s Research Group leader and an expert on the History of Bradford on Avon and surrounding area, is returning to discuss the early cloth industry and its influence on the beautiful Bradford Hundred, which covers the ancient Parish of Bradford (modern Atworth, Bradford on Avon, Holt, Limpley Stoke, South Wraxall and Winsley plus Broughton Gifford).
The talk follows the development of the white broadcloth industry in the Bradford Hundred from its medieval roots to its decline in the 17th Century. Evidence for sheep farming and wool production is examined together with the processes of spinning, weaving, dyeing, raising the nap and shearing of the finished cloth. Fulling mills and their locations are related to the Avon and Frome rivers. Some local clothiers are discussed together with the statutes established to guarantee cloth quality.
Members free Visitors £3.00 All welcome