Sheep Return to Bideford Bridge in Celebration of 555 Years of Westcountry Wool Heritage
A centuries-old tradition will return to North Devon when sheep are driven across Bideford Bridge during the Bideford Town Fair on Saturday 6 June at 10.00am.
The ceremonial sheep drive, last undertaken in 2012, will be led by the historic Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen as part of celebrations marking 555 years since the Guild was gifted land in Exeter on which it built the magnificent Tuckers Hall – the medieval home of the Incorporation and one of the country’s most important surviving guild halls.
The event revives a historic right and tradition exercised by the Incorporation, with the agreement of the Bideford Bridge Trust, to drive sheep across the ancient bridge – a powerful reminder of the vital role the wool trade once played in the prosperity of Devon and the wider Westcountry.
For centuries, wool was at the heart of the region’s economy. Sheep raised across Devon and surrounding counties supplied raw fleeces that were transported to Exeter, then one of England’s foremost wool and cloth trading centres. There, skilled weavers, fullers and shearmen transformed the wool into finished cloth which was exported across Britain and overseas markets.
The sheep drive across Bideford Bridge (sheep kindly provided by Clovelly based Come Bye) will celebrate that rich heritage while bringing history vividly to life for visitors attending this year’s Bideford Town Fair.
Members of the Incorporation, some dressed in ceremonial robes, will accompany the sheep procession over the historic bridge in a spectacle expected to attract large crowds.
Spokesperson for the Incorporation Julian Tagg, Master said: “This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Devon’s remarkable wool heritage and to honour the traditions of the Incorporation, which has played an important role in Exeter’s history for more than five centuries. The sheep drive symbolises the historic importance of the wool trade to communities across the Westcountry, including Bideford and Exeter.”
The ceremony also highlights the enduring connection between North Devon and Exeter through trade, craftsmanship and shared history. In 1573 Bideford Bridge was rebuilt with the Incorporation’s help to ensure it could continue using the bridge.
Later that decade the Incorporation contracted to pay 10 shillings per annum towards the maintenance of the bridge, it being a vital link used by members to import wool from Ireland and then export the finished cloth.
The Incorporation has records of this annual payment – now 50p – since 1614.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good viewing position ahead of the 10.00am start.
Event Details
What: Ceremonial Sheep Drive across Bideford Bridge
When: Saturday 6 June, 10.00am
Where: Bideford Bridge, Bideford, North Devon
Occasion: Celebration of 555 years since the gifting of land for Tuckers Hall in Exeter
For further information, interviews or filming and photo opportunities, please contact: Rachael Whitson, The Clerk, The Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen. Tel: 07788 675 999
The History of The Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen
More than six centuries ago a group of merchants came together to promote their trade in woollen cloth in the City of Exeter. As their Guild and fellowship grew, they made philanthropy part of the plan. Their website (www.tuckershall.org.uk) tells their remarkable and continuing story.
The Guild of the Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen has evolved from a trade association into a charity, historical presence in Exeter and medieval venue. The Incorporation is a fellowship with members from all trades and professions, united in common purpose to preserve and maintain traditions of the Guild, act as custodians of Tuckers Hall and find companionship in serving others.
Our members support causes they believe in and helping young people into trades, to share their expertise, and to build on centuries of experience and charitable giving.
In 1471 the Exeter Guild of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen was given a plot of land on Fore Street by William and Cecilia Bowden. The Bowden’s’ gift lay halfway between the city’s historic centre and its manufacturing district.
The Guild regulated the woollen cloth trade in Exeter, which made the city wealthy and a centre for international trade.
The woollen cloth trade thrived from the 1430s until the end of the 18th century, at times making Exeter the third richest city in the country.
From 1459-2011 the Hall has been constantly renovated, repurposed and even confiscated by a monarch.
In 1931 the modern world came to Tuckers Hall with the introduction of electricity. Part of the old world was re-discovered when medieval wall paintings were found hidden beneath the oak panelling of the upper chamber.
Today we’re a thriving fellowship, place to visit, hire and talk to about charitable giving.
