MEET THE SHEEP

 

Meet the Sheep: The Cotswold Lions of Beatrice Bayliss

Meet the Cotswold lions the majestic sheep at the heart of Beatrice Bayliss. Our commitment to quality and heritage wool begins here, among the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the lineage of pedigree sheep that inspire every stitch.

About the Breed

Heritage and History

  • The Cotswold sheep are an ancient British breed, rooted in the southern midlands of England. Their history stretches back centuries and perhaps even to Roman times.

  • Celebrated in the Middle Ages as the “Cotswold Lions,” they were prized across Europe for their golden-coloured locks and rich lustre.

Physical Traits

  • These are a large, long-wool breed, rams can weigh over 250 pounds with ewes often between 175–230 pounds.

  • They carry a distinctive forelock over their face and a dense fleece that hangs in lustrous locks.

Wool Qualities

  • Their fleece is renowned for its silky sheen, long staple length and subtle golden hue, earning them the nickname “Golden Fleece Breed.”

  • Cotswold wool offers lustre, durability and a unique handle when worsted-spun.

Temperament & Purpose

  • These sheep are gentle, docile and easy to care for a true countryside companion.

  • Historically, they’ve been a dual-purpose breed, raised both for meat and their exceptional fleece.

Why Cotswold Wool Matters to Beatrice Bayliss

  • Pedigree Quality: We source our wool from pedigree Cotswold sheep, certified and in close partnership with the Cotswold Sheep Society.

  • Sustainable and Ethical: Each skein is responsibly produced from sheep to knitwear. We support local farming and use traditional craftsmanship to spin and finish our wool into high-quality yarns and expertise from The Natural Fibre Company.

  • Luxuriously Local: Our founder Emily lives in the heart of the Cotswolds, connecting our yarns to their origins, regionally sourced and lovingly crafted.