Hill Radnor Sheep

There is mystery surrounding the origins of the Hill Radnor sheep as there seems to be little to no written evidence of the sheep's existence until more recently but nonetheless these sheep have been around for centuries.  Localised to a fairly isolated area there has been few or no inclusions of outside bloodlines.  It is slightly larger, rangier and has a finer fleece than other Welsh mountain breeds.  Early in its history it was often referred to as the Radnor Tanface.  A breed society/association was formed in 1949 and in 1955 they settled on the name of Hill Radnor.

The Hill Radnor sheep, at the time of writing, is in the Rare Breeds Survival Trust category 4: At Risk (900-1500) registered breeding ewes.  Traditionally the breed was native to the Welsh counties of Radnorshire, Breconshire, Monmouthshire and just over the border into the English county of Herefordshire.  In 1993 they were in category 3: Vulnerable (500-900) registered breeding ewes and so have progressed upwards since then with small flocks outside of the traditional areas and the breed association is hoping to move up into category 5 fairly soon.

The Hill Radnor is a hardy, heavy, docile sheep.  It has a grey to grey-tan head and legs which are free from wool.  The muzzle is lighter, usually and off-white.  Rams are usually horned but can be naturally polled.  Ewes are always polled.  

They produce a medium size creamy-white fleece of 2-2.5 kg that is dense and springy and contains very little kemp and may or may not contain an amount of dark fibres.  The fleece is fine for a hill breed but feels slightly crisp.  The locks are mostly rectangular with short pointed tips but can be narrow with visible crimp.  The staples are usually 3-5 inches (7.5-12.5cm).  Dye produces clear colours with a matte finish.

This fleece can be picked and spun from the lock, carded or combed, depending on the length.  The fibres draft easily.  Any kemp that may be present will either drop out or can be picked out during spinning.

Yarns spun from Hill Radnor fleece can be used for next-to-skin garments but some may be too coarse and better suited to outerwear.  Any kemp or dark fibres that are left in will produce subtly tweedy yarns.  

I have bought this breed in as 100g of pre-prepared fibre.

My finished yarn is of good quality to the touch of the hand and both sturdy and bouncy and definitely suitable for next-to-skin wear.  I have 96g/153m of sport weight yarn.  My knitted piece for the project took 34g/58m so I have some left to do whatever with.