Wool Fair Talk: Cotswold Lion Sheep and their Golden Fleece

Feel the fleece behind the Cotswolds' wool wealth

Cotswold sheep, often called the Cotswold Lion, are at the centre of this talk with Joan Mordue. She traces the breed's Roman-era arrival, the long lustrous fleece that helped drive the medieval Cotswolds wool trade, and its place in the region's history.

Joan started a small flock with her two sisters around 15 years ago and has worked to improve the quality of its fleeces, including through the introduction of wethers. You can feel the wool during the session and take a sample away, giving the talk a useful hands-on element.

The breed is now classed as at risk, so the talk connects its working history with the question of how a distinctive local sheep is kept in the picture. The Cotswold Sheep Society's history supports the Roman and "Golden Fleece" context behind the event.

The session takes place upstairs in the Finnish Train Carriage behind the main Goods Shed, reached by a flight of stairs, and is not suitable for people with limited mobility. The venue sits beside the free Old Railyard Long Stay Car Park, which is shared with other visitors and can fill on festival days, so allow time to park.

Ticketed. Booking required.

Sunday 11 October 2026 · Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre, Finnish Train Carriage, The Old Station Yard, Cirencester Road, Tetbury GL8 8EY · Starts 1pm