We keep a small flock of Black Lincoln Longwools,(more commonly known as Coloured), this is recognised as a sub-breed of the more common, but still very rare White Lincolns. The largest longwool sheep, its versatile fleece was the basis of eastern England’s prosperity until the arrival of the cotton industry. Classified as ‘at risk’, the breed had developed over the centuries to produce heavy fleeces of strong wool. The breed declined through the 20th century, and by 1971 there were only 15 flocks left containing only about 500 ewes. There was a partial revival in the late 1980s and the ewe numbers increased to 1300 but the breed is again in a precarious position. It has a polled white head with a broad forelock of wool.