Found in North Yorkshire, the town of Masham has a long history of sheep farming and sheep markets. From its Anglo-Saxon roots to Viking invasions, Masham's history is as textured as the wool of its eponymous cross-bred sheep.

While Celtic Britons likely first inhabited North Yorkshire’s rolling hills, it was the Angles who established the first recorded settlement in Masham. The Angles were an Anglo-Saxon tribe that began to migrate from northern Germany to the British Isles starting around the 5th century. In fact, the name Masham derives from "Mæssa’s ham," meaning "Mæssa’s farm" or "Mæssa’s homestead,” named after an early member of the settlement. Angles not only left their mark on the town of Masham, but also lent their name to the nation itself: Angle-land, now known as England.

Unfortunately for the Angles of Masham, Viking invaders swept through the region in the 10^th century, leaving a trail of destruction that included farms, homes, and churches. Yet, with the Vikings came new influences. When they established their own settlements in the same area, they brought their sheep with them. These sheep and their descendants would eventually become one of the primary economic drivers of the region.

By the Middle Ages, Masham was thriving town with cloth weaving as one of its key industries. Wool for spinning and weaving was sourced not only from local sheep farms but also from the vast flocks maintained by the Cistercians at nearby Jervaulx Abbey and the Benedictines at Fountains Abbey, both established in the 12th century. In 1251, Masham was granted its first market charter, quickly becoming a renowned sheep market – a status it maintained for centuries. Some years would see over 60,000 sheep sold at the Masham market.

The late 18th and 19th centuries ushered in an era of scientific selective breeding, led by Robert Bakewell and numerous other agriculturalists and farmers. During this agricultural revolution, breeders around Masham noticed that certain first-generation crossbreeds, known as Mules or Half Breds, possessed exceptional qualities. Crossing Wensleydale and Teeswater rams with Dalesbred or Swaledale ewes produced ewes with enhanced hardiness, prolificacy, milking ability, longevity, and strong mothering instincts—all ideal traits for meat production. By the mid-19^th century, these crossbred ewes were commonly referred to as Masham sheep and were a common sight at the annual sheep market. Farmers prized them for their ability to produce quality meat lambs when bred with rams from other breeds such as Suffolk.

Although the original Masham sheep market eventually disappeared, Masham sheep were here to stay. In the 20th century, Wensleydale rams became less popular as sires, and Teeswater rams took precedence. Today, Teeswater rams are primarily crossed with Dalesbred ewes to produce Masham sheep, though Swaledale ewes are also used by some breeders. Surprisingly, the first Masham breed association in England was not established until 1986 – just one year after Masham reinstated its annual sheep fair in 1985. Today, the Masham Sheep Fair is a vibrant celebration of the town's connection to sheep farming. The event continues the tradition of sheep sales and showcases a variety of breeds, both heritage and modern. Visitors can enjoy sheep racing, sheepdog demonstrations, parades, musical and dance performances, as well as a bustling array of craft and food vendors. The fair not only honors Masham's rich past but also highlights how important sheep farming still is to the area.

While Masham ewes are bred primarily to produce meat lambs, their wool is also valued by spinners, weavers, knitters, and crocheters, and more. Typically available in natural white or gray, Masham wool falls into the medium-coarse category with a fiber diameter of 33.5–35 microns. Its staple length ranges from 5 to 9 inches, making it a very long fiber. The wool's subtle luster and texture create beautiful yarn, especially when blended with other medium wools. When used alone, Masham wool is ideal for rug weaving or as part of a durable carpet yarn blend.

Ready to experience the unique qualities of Masham wool? See what we have in stock online or visit us in the shop. We can hardly wait to see the incredible creations you will make from this wool!