England in the late middle ages was a rich land, where commerce with the continent centred on wool and cloth trade.

Many famous cities’ fortunes were made in the period between 1400 and 1600. One only has to think of the large cathedrals in Exeter or Ely to be reminded that very large fortunes indeed could be made by trading the rich local wool with the wines, silks and gold of the continent.

Gloucestershire founds its own specialisation in this trade. Most of the famous red cloth of which the uniforms of the British army were made in the 1700s and early 1800s were produced locally and sold both to the British and many foreign governments.The government bought red cloth because it was the cheapest material made.

In a smaller but significant way, Wotton too benefited from the wool trade: the local Church is a reminder that even small towns could afford large public buildings. And, whilst all that remains of the large Abbey at Kingswood is now the Gatehouse, that too should be seen as a symbol of local prosperity and wealth.

Original paintings provided, with our great appreciation, by local artist, Dawn Waring