Corfe Castle & Herdwick Sheep, Dorset, England Pillow

Photograph Herdwick sheep were thought to be introduced by Norse-Irish settlers in the 10th & 11th centuries, there are also tales of the breed being brought here on shipwrecked from the Spanish Armada. The ancient norse for sheep farm was "Herd-Vic", the word "Herdwyck" means sheep pasture and can be found in documents dating back to the 12th century. These sheep were originally bred for their tough wiry wool which can create garments which repel rain and outlive many softer yarns but their wool is sheer purgatory for the hands of the knitter. Beatrix Potter, the childrens' author, kept and bred Herdwick sheep, winning many prizes for her ewes in shows across Cumbria, she was acting president of the breed association for a t...