What is Romney wool?

Here at Linwood, we have long been singing the praises of wool as a robust, eco-friendly fabric that defies passing trends. For our latest wool collection, we are thrilled to be using Romney wools. A centuries-old breed, Romney sheep are renowned for their soft, strong fleeces that are used to make premium wool products that are guaranteed to stand the test of time.

The history of Romney wool

Romney sheep take their name from their grazing place, Romney Marsh, a remnant of salt marsh in Kent that was reclaimed from the sea in the 1200s. ‘The sheep probably originally came with the Romans,’ says Howard Bates, a seventh-generation grazier of Romney Marsh whose local business has supplied some of the wool used in our new collection. He continues, ‘The sheep have evolved over centuries, and they have one of the most adaptable fleeces.’ The traits they have developed to survive heavy rain and strong winds on Romney Marsh has resulted in a heritage wool that can be made into beautiful, sustainable products – including our covetable upholstery fabric.

The unique characteristics of Romney wool

Romney sheep are ‘long wool’ sheep, producing fleeces that are lustrous, strong and hardwearing, yet incredibly soft. The evolution of the breed over the centuries has resulted in the sheep developing fleeces that remain healthy in harsh weather, producing wool fibres that are perfect for both clothing and homewares. Another huge plus is that the fibre is predominantly white, so it can take any form of dye beautifully. 

The benefits of using Romney wool

Romney wool has so many excellent qualities that make it a highly versatile material:

• Sustainability Entirely natural and renewable, Romney wool is one of the most environmentally friendly materials around. It requires much less water and energy to make than cotton and synthetic materials, and it can be recycled into new wool products, giving it a second life. It is also fully biodegradable, releasing valuable nutrients back into the earth. And because Romney sheep are a native breed, carbon footprint is minimal when it comes to transporting the raw wool fleeces.
• Durability Wool has a much longer lifespan than cotton and, thanks to its breathability and odour-resisting properties, it requires cleaning far less frequently than synthetic fabrics. Romney Marsh sheep are a particularly resilient breed, ensuring that wool products created using Romney Marsh wool are exceptionally strong and will last for years to come. 
• Hypoallergenic properties Romney wools are a great choice for anyone suffering from asthma, eczema or allergies as wool is moisture-wicking and breathable, helping to regulate the body temperature by keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter; it is also resistant to mould growth and dust mites, which are often the cause of allergic reactions. The wool is naturally processed, so there are no chemicals involved that can prove an irritant to the skin, and Romney wool is also supremely soft, ensuring that it doesn’t feel itchy.
• Versatility Both the durability and softness of Romney wools means that they can be made into any number of wool products, from homeware to fashion items as well as knitting wools for crafting projects. The lanolin produced by the sheep is also used in toiletries and pampering products. 

Introducing the Romney British Wool collection

We are hugely excited to announce the launch of our Romney British Wool collection that combines the excellent qualities of Romney wool with the talents of the finest spinners, dyers, weavers and finishers, all based in Yorkshire and Lancashire. ‘The wool has been finished to give it a luxuriously soft texture, making it the perfect choice for upholstery as well as curtains,’ says Warrick Gloyn, Sales Director of Linwood. He continues, ‘It’s durable, eco-friendly, stain- and fire-resistant by design, and it has been piece-dyed to provide an alluring array of colour options.’ For interior designer Lindsey Rendell of Rendall & Wright, the softness of the fabric makes it a winning choice for upholstery: ‘It’s incredibly tactile and cosy,’ she approves, adding, ‘It looks particularly fantastic on tailored pieces.’ Pictured here, on the sofa and ottoman from üp Sofas, in gorgeous spice tones – Honeycomb and Burnt Toffee – the fabrics bring a lovely warmth to the scheme.

How Romney Marsh wool supports sustainable living

Products made using Romney Marsh wools contribute to a sustainable lifestyle as the wool is readily renewable as well as being entirely biodegradable, and it is ethically produced. ‘British wool textiles are affordable, practical and environmentally responsible,’ notes Warrick, adding, ‘As a British firm, we want to support British farmers and the industry – and so do our customers.’

Linwood is thrilled to be a part of the British Wool scheme with this collection: ‘It’s a seal of endorsement,’ says Warrick. ‘We are also excited to leverage the prestige of the renowned Shepherd's Crook Mark, which certifies that the collection is one hundred per cent pure wool.’

How to care for Romney Wool products

The beauty of Linwood’s Romney British Wool collection is that it is both spill- and stain-resistant: just as the fleece is water repellent to protect Romney sheep from the rain, so the wool fabric repels liquid, enabling most spills to be simply blotted. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel to absorb excess liquid, leaving it on the spot until as much liquid is absorbed as possible. If the stain persists, however, we advise contacting an upholstery cleaning expert as the fabric is dry clean only. Regular maintenance is also important to keep the wool looking its best: upholstery and curtains should be routinely vacuumed using the upholstery attachment, and cushions need to be frequently plumped to help expel dust. From time to time, a deep clean by an upholstery specialist will be needed – and make sure to clean all items in the same fabric in one go to avoid colour variations. 

Why choose Romney wool?

Steeped in history, Romney wools are some of the finest British wools, producing pieces that not only feel good but are also good for the environment. We hope you have been inspired to explore the products made from Romney wool, including our fabulous new upholstery weave. Tactile, sustainable and British through-and-through, they are a must for any interior, adding a sense of refinement and quiet luxury that you will never tire of.