The author’s much consulted
Gloucestershire Woollen Mills
has long been out of print.
Wool and Water
is a comparative, fresh appraisal of the history of the woollen industry in Gloucestershire, a county with more than 200 mills in the industry’s heyday.
traces the origins of the water-powered industry from the late 12th century to its demise, with two mills remaining in the 20th century. Themes discussed include the organization of the "domestic" industry until the mid-18th century; the development of the factory from the late 18th century; fluctuations in trade; and, finally, competition from Yorkshire. Where did Gloucestershire’s cloth go? To markets all over the world: to Hudson’s Bay, to India, besides Europe; to clothe the British Army, as well as speciality cloth for coronations and the Pope’s robes.