Getting into a spin
Aylsham Heritage Centre, Market Place, Aylsham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR11 6EH
Alongside domestic work and agricultural productivity, there was a flourishing very high quality linen industry in Aylsham in the 14th century. Aylsham’s linen - known as Aylsham web- was worn by royalty and the pope, and used for bed linen. After this died out, it was replaced by the woollen industry. From the 16th century wool was produced and home weaving of worsted fabric (from Worstead) was a cottage industry until the Industrial Revolution. It was very much part of the everyday history of the inhabitants of the town.
We welcome the Worstead Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers to the Heritage Centre to demonstrate the use of a spinning wheel, a loom, drop spindles and a pin loom and to invite visitors to have-a-go. Investigate washed fleece for spinning, spun fibre for weaving and the use of naturally dyed fibres. Explore some of the lovely creations made by guild members.
Please be aware that clean washed fleece does retain some lanolin and working with it is at the handlers discretion.
Aylsham Heritage Centre, Market Place, Aylsham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR11 6EH