28/07/2026
From Robert Plot's 'Natural History of Oxfordshire' (1677):
"For Improvements, 'tis certain that the Blanketing trade of Witney is advanced to that height that no place comes near it; some I know attribute a great part of the excellency of these Blankets to the abstersive nitrous water of the River Windrush wherewith they are scoured, as was mentioned before, but others there are again that rather think they owe it to a peculiar way of loose spinning the people have hereabout, perhaps they may both concur to it.
However it be, 'tis plain they are esteemed so far beyond all others, that this place has engrossed the whole trade of the Nation for this Commodity... of which the Blanketers, whereof there are at least threescore in this Town, that amongst them have at least 150 Looms, employing near 3000 poor people, from children of eight years old, to decrepit old age, do work out above a hundred packs of wool per week."
I will return to the claims about 'abstersive water' and 'loose spinning', but let us meanwhile bask in the glory of being in the erstwhile blanket capital of the country!
Oh, and meanwhile, do come and explore the wonders of the Blanket Hall, and enjoy a cup of coffee, or a cold beer, and cake or a pie... You get the idea.
